MY 75 Gallon RR project and soon to be "former setup" DIAL UP BEWARE!

[concept3]

I wanna SHARE my experiences with all of you........

A little background:

I have had this setup for a little over a year, and I live Upstairs in a condo. Due to Weight concerns, I stepped up from my former 45 gallon Pentagon to the "current" 55 gallon tank. 95% of my colonies started off as 1-3 inch frags purchased from a LFS. 14 months later, and they are already competing for space, being that the tank is very narrow. Some colonies are the size of small Oranges and what you see in the current pictures are "fragged" or "trimmed" colonies........

Here's what I have:

55 gallon standard tank on an AGA pine stand. Bare Bottom, about 65 lbs of LR

CPR wet/dry sump (only used as sump since NOTHING else fit under stand) and Overflow box

AquaC Urchin with Maxijet 1200

Hagen 802 as return pump from sump

Tsunami "soft start" wavemaker hooked up to 3 Maxijet 1200's

Fluval 202 (only as return pump for DIY chiller......LOL)

DIY poplar hood with 2 X 250 watt SE AB hooked up to 2 Icecap ballasts, 2 X 110 watt URI VHO's powered by ARO Ballast (from hellolights $35), Two 4 inch computer fans and 4 blue LED's from Circuit City :D

I dose only Tapwater+Kalkwasser constantly, and use TropicMarin salt. Every week, I dose Trace Elements, Iodine and Strontium/Molybdenum.
I feed DT's (not anymore, since I'll be getting Fast Fred's Phyto soon) and use Selcon as a food supplement.

Very light fish load, I only have a Blue Tang (3"), 5 chromis, a firefish, a 5 year old Convict Blenny, a sally lightfoot crab, and two emerald crabs. I do, however have 3 croceas, an ultra blue, purple, Gold, and teardrop maximas.

I WILL BE BREAKING DOWN THIS SETUP IN MID MARCH!
I need to finish all my projects before then, and plumb my new 75 RR when it comes in next week. In the meantime, I'd like to share my project with all of you here in New Jersey!


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078tank_in_february_2005.jpg
FEBRUARY SHOT (for some reason, I can never get the whole tank shot to look good:( )



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078the_fireplace_and_its_hood.jpg
ROUGHED tank stand and HOOD



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078tank_moulding.jpg
My friend said as she walked into their garage: "Whose FIREPLACE?" DUH......... MINE?



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078the_fireplace_and_its_hood.jpg
OPEN WIDE!!! ALL THE HOOD ACCESS I WANT!!!



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078stand_and_doors_on.jpg
Doors still unpainted...



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078Out_with_the_old__In_with_the_new.jpg
NEW stand, current stand

[concept3]

Fast Fred was kind enough to lend me his dremel so I can drill a 20 LONG tank for my sump.....you guys didn't think that I would use that little excuse of a CPR wet/dry as my new sump did ya?

I Ordered an IWAKI MD40RLXT yesterday, and so here I begin the very tedious process of drilling (FOR THE FIRST TIME) my own hole through glass with NO prior experience.....HECK, the tank only cost $23

So here I go:

I purchased 3 things at Home Depot: A diamond tipped cutter, a deburring bit, and a finishing bit. I also asked for the help of my personal water assistant, a 12 ounce bottle with a hole in it, which I attached a piece of silicone tubing to wet the glass as I cut.



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078ready_for_action.jpg
MATERIALS........




http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078my_girls_one_and_three_quarter_inch_scrapbooking_template.jpg
I used my girl's STENCIL which was exactly 1 3/4 inches...perfect for that hole for my 1 inch bulkhead!!!




http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078almost_there____thirty_minutes_later.jpg
I finally got somewhere after 25-30 minutes......almost there!




http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078breakthrough_in_35_minutes.jpg
Breakthrough!!! Very rough though.........




http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078deburring_the_edges_and_polishing.jpg
This is what took the most time, deburring the edges and polishing for that smooth finish!

[concept3]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078return_pump_hole.jpg
THE FINISHED Product.............Now where is that Pump?!?!?
I finally decided to go all 1 inch to 3/4 tubing for the new pump setup. There will be a total of 4 outlets on top of the tank, terminating with 3/4" LOCLINES. I will be using BOTH pipes in the Megaflow box of the reef ready tank as RETURNS. We'll see when the tank arrives. Things always change along the way anyway.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078stand_and_20_Long_sump.jpg
New Sump/Refugium underneath my stand........



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078new_light_reflectors_and_spare_ballast_EVC_from_Oceanencounter.jpg
The New reflectors and Mogul bases came in today (I ordered them like yesterday!?!?! How's that for fast! Vince at www.Oceanencounter.com is located in S. Jersey I guess that HAD to do something with it!

I WILL BE RE-USING MY ICECAPS ON THIS NEW HOOD, But am mounting my Halides Perpendicular to the front of the tank since I have 18 inches of depth now.........WHOOHOOO!!!

I also had my Computer Genius friend, Andy Tan order me a pair of 5 inch 125 CFM fans for cooling in the new hood. He fixes Computers, and orders parts and stuff anyways.....

I'll probably start working on the hood after I get off work tomorrow, so I'll post pictures in a few...........

Till then...............

[concept3]

BY THE WAY GUYS, FEEL FREE TO CHIME IN! MAYBE GIVE ME A FEW POINTERS ON THINGS........

[Fast Fred]

Keep going Merv!!! It looks great!

[Reeftreasures]

hurry up and finish that new set-up so i can get a lot more frags. JK looks amazing can't wait to see it finished and those corals in their new home it's good be niceshoot me a pm if you need any plumbing help

[concept3]

Thanks Kevin..........
I'll definitely be shooting you a pm when I need to "resize" my corals again. I'll have a lttle more of a selection in about 3-4 weeks :) since I'll probably be fragging the other guys...

Can't wait to get home tonight and start working on that HOOD!!!

I'm gonna try and leave early because of that snow storm, supposedly, South Jersey is gonna get hit harder; and the Evo doesn't handle too well in the snow.......... I got an hour drive home, more like 2 hours today!!!

HA HA HA, It was late last night and I just noticed I put TWO of the same pictures on the first post........

THIS IS WHAT I WANTED TO PUT:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078DIY_hood.jpg
FULL HOOD ACCESS!!!

[Phyl]

Looks great. What did you use for plans for the stand? It came out great!

[concept3]

Ummmm, no plans really. I just kinda calculated the actual tank dimensions and compensated for the fact that plywood comes in 4 X 8 feet sheets. The actual footprint of the tank is 49.5" by 19.5".....I kinda went from there.....

I could measure it all up and post em up here.

[concept3]

Before I went home, I stopped by ACE hardware store to get two receptacles. Another Great Idea from Fast Fred was used! He showed me his mogul-to-Ballast connection, and I decided to do the same. It's basically the same as getting a PFO plug or something like that, so I just went to the hardware store to buy generic ones. I got two different plugs, one a right angled and one left angled. I'll use it to differentiate between left and right bulbs/ballasts, plus, during those days that I'm feeling STUPID, I couldn't mistake them for a regular 110 V outlet.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078halide_receptacles.jpg
I couldn't decide whether or not to lower the halides in this new hood, but I've decided to keep them 9 inches above the water in case of heat issues in the future. I can always lower the lights by adding a piece of wood behind the reflector/socket.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078Light_installation.jpg
This is how she's going to look after installation


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078centered_halide_mogul_installation.jpg
I HAD TO MAKE SURE THAT THE HALIDES WERE DEAD CENTER ABOVE THE TANK. I ended up screwing the Halides in and then Measuring Top Dead Center above the tank, obviously taking into account the center brace.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078no_more_messing_around__Im_soldering_the_joints.jpg
I just ended up soldering my connections. It's gonna be awhile before I change this setup. That Butane torch is awesome!


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078hood_and_possible_fans_that_might_go_in__TOTALLING_4.jpg
The hood and some computer fans that I might put above the tank to suck in fresh air. I'll be using the larger ones (5") that my friend, Andy ordered for the back of the tank to vent out the hot air.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078XM_bulb_and_Mogul_test.jpg
AND ON THE 2ND HOUR, MERV SAID "LET THERE BE LIGHT!" Then I said........ "That's good!" Test firing the new XM bulb with my new EVC TECH ELECTRONIC BALLAST FROM OCEANENCOUNTER.COM, which I'll be using in my 20 gallon in the bedroom :)

Well, STAND is done, HOOD is almost done, and the meeting is this Sunday, so I won't be updating for a few days.........

In the meantime, feel free to comment!

[RichT]

Looks great Merv......you know.....your gonna have to change that tag line in your signature.....don't forget.

[concept3]

Huh?

HA HA HA I just got that.

You mean "That's only a 75?" "No, really?!?"

In a few weeks, Rich, in a few weeks...... see you at Fred's on Sunday.

[ToUcHoFeLeGaNcE]

looks good man keep up the good work!

[concept3]

I didn't work Monday due to the snow, so I decided to stay home and needed something to do. I laid out all the pipes and connectors that I had been collecting for the past 2 weeks now, and decided to make a mock-up of the plumbing while I patiently wait for the Iwaki pump. The pump will be here tomorrow, so I figure, what the hey?!?!

I've never been more confused. I guess it's hard to decide especially if the main component of my circulation system would be the stooooopid pump. I glued some pipes together anyway, and I start the acrylic baffles for the refugium/sump.

Plus hopefully, I'll get the tank tomorrow. That should make things a little easier so I can put everything in perspective. I am deisgning (off the top of my head) a system that will enable me to dismantle the pump from the sump, and also to interchange the return piping in the future if I want to reduce my loclines or clean the pipes. You'll all see in a few days. Remember, I'll have a 1 inch exit from the Iwaki to a TEE into TWO 3/4 inch pipes, up some 45 degree angles and spilling into the tank 4 ways with TWO being 3/4 inch and TWO 1/2 inch loclines. Confused yet?
So am I!!!

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078plumbing_crap.jpg
If she can only see the living room now!!!


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078baffle_install_for_sump.jpg
First baffle for the refugium, and then I RAN out of Silicone! I thought I had another tube somewhere.....I guess not! I'm always at Home Depot darn it!

[RichT]

If the exit on the pump is 1 inch then maybe you should upsize the piping to help reduce frictional loss. My pump manufacture recommends 2 times the output or 3/4 x 2 = 1.5". Then you reduce it down as close to the discharge as practical.

[concept3]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078sump_baffles.jpg
Went to HD and got more silicone to finish the fuge/sump.



Later on during the day, I stop by the LFS since they got a new shipment of Live rock in, I now one has to pay a premium when buying LR from a fish store, but at least I got to cherry pick some nice light pieces for the contraption I'm ready to make. When you drive for one hour everyday for work, you think of the weirdest things.............. CHECK THIS OUT!!!


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078Aquascaping_tools.jpg
GRABBED the MAKITA, A DRILL BIT, BLACK PLASTIC CLOTHES HANGER, EPOXY PUTTY..........

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078Aquascaping_show_rock_2.jpg
Drilled a pilot hole, only about 1 inch deep.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078Aquascaping_show_rock_3.jpg
Shoved the cut plastic coat hanger DOWEL with some epoxy in the hole........

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078Aquascaping_show_rock_4_finished_product.jpg
VOILA!!! Peg leg live rock!
WHY?!?! Because I am going bare bottom, and it makes cleaning or vaccuuming the tank I should say, EASIER!!!!

[concept3]

RichT has a beautiful ARCH that he picked up at DrMac, and since I didn't want to beg for him to give it to me, I decide to "MAKE" my own.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078arch.jpg
Now think of this as "Mad Crazy reefer LEGO"
I took the Plastic hanger dowel thing and ran away with it. I grabbed the lightest flattest rocks I could find in my Live Rock pile, and "placed" them together so that they somewhat interlock together naturally. I then drilled a hole straight through the first rock going into the second rock.



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078arch_2.jpg
You can clearly see the three pieces of Live rock that will comprise my "MAN MADE" arch........


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078arch_3.jpg
Here is the arch right before I epoxied the $@#% out of it.

[concept3]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078aquascape_ready_rocks.jpg

I was able to make three "AQUASCAPE READY" rocks out of my pile of regular liverock. I'll use the other smaller pieces as support for my aquascaping.

[concept3]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078old_tank_new_tank.jpg
Tank came in FINALLY on the 3rd of March. Fast Fred helped me out by lugging it up the stairs. Here she is sitting beside my soon to be old setup.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078sump_and_pump.jpg
With the tank now FINALLY in place, I work on the returns for the pump. Like I mentioned before, there will be a 1 inch return from the Iwaki, that splits into 3/4 inchers, and then splits 4 ways. Here are a few pictures to better illustrate what I'm talking about.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078tank_plumbing.jpg
Rear shot of the plumbing returns

[concept3]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078pump_outleft_left_2.jpg
HEY EVERYONE, GOT MAD FLOW????


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078tank_front_and_loclines.jpg
Tank front with the UGLY looking LOCLINES....I might have to reconfigure this setup........ Maybe later.

[slik1511]

nice setup

[slik1511]

nice setup

[RichT]

Hey Merv......coming along nicely !!
You may want to consider turning the fitting that the loclines are attached to 90 degrees towards the center of the tank. That way, you will have the adjustment flexibility and it won't be necessary for them to hang down so far into the tank. That should only take 2 couplings to do the trick. Just a thought since it sounds like you weren't happy with the look. HTH

[RichT]

Originally posted by concept3
[B]RichT has a beautiful ARCH that he picked up at DrMac, and since I didn't want to beg for him to give it to me, I decide to "MAKE" my own.


Thanks Merv, missed that one. Actually, I told the good Dr. what I wanted to do and we picked through the rocks until we found just the right ones. Fortunately the 5 rocks that make up the main arch were big enough and I was able to fit them together tight enough that I felt comfortable they would stay put without putty or any other support. Good luck with yours, how about some more pic's?

[concept3]

I wish I could turn the fittings Rich, but I had a slight too-happy-to-install-the-return-pipe syndrome:rolleyes:. On a good note, I can make a brand new fitting since I used 3 sets of couplers to break down the tubing just in case of a relapse, which I did have. Think of my piping as having a "failsafe" option:cool:

I'll throw more pics, but I'm running out of room in my gallery

[magma01]

Hi,
Your new setup is looking great! How are your EVC TECH ELECTRONIC BALLAST working for you? I'm thinking about getting some of those myself. Have you had any problems? Any heat problems or electrical problems?

[concept3]

Originally posted by magma01
Hi,
Your new setup is looking great! How are your EVC TECH ELECTRONIC BALLAST working for you? I'm thinking about getting some of those myself. Have you had any problems? Any heat problems or electrical problems?
Nope, knock on wood about the Electrical or heat. I'm using the EVC Tech as a spare right now, however, I DO plan on using it on the 20 gallon in the bedroom. I just have to explain to my girl that the PC lights had a short circuit, that's why the tank got bright all of a sudden J/K. I'm burning in the XM halides in the living room right now, my neighbors keep on asking me why there is a spotlight in the house, my Condo being upstairs is starting to look like a Lighthouse. I figured 80-100 houirs burn in which is what I see most people do. I don't feel like shocking the corals.

[concept3]

All right, a few updates:

My live rock that was semi-cured took a dive down. Basically, I had the rock sitting in a tub in the spare bedroom with a Mag7 and my new WON brothers digital Ultra Mega Titanium heater with Readout. Somehow, the sensor registered 68 degrees this morning. I thought nothing much of it, as I needed to go get a few more fittings from Home depot, I figure I'll get home soon anyway. I got home and the whole condo reeked. Well, the reason why the meter read 68 was because the sensor got pulled out of the water and was registering the air temperature. Basically, I now have semi-alive live rock. It looks like it is going to take a while longer before I transfer the tank. Bummer.

I figure, what the hey, I'll redo the stupid contraption of pipes that I made 4 days ago.

This was the contraption that I had doctored 4 days ago. It made a ^#%$load of noise, I felt like I was under the Niagara falls. All 1200 gallons of water rushing straight down to a 1 inch filter sock. I drained the darned thing that same night and I decided to work on the RIGHT plumbing today.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078first_contraption.jpg
Left pipe (1 inch) hypothetically goes into the filter sock, and the 3/4 inch pipe goes into the refugium, with an escape for excess water. IT DIDN'T work! That, my friends, was a MAJOR BRAIN FART GONE WRONG!!!

I ganked this whole setup and ran it over a few times with the car. It was cool seeing all that water though.

[concept3]

This is how all 1200 gallons of water dumps into the tank. I used 3/4 loclines, and I think they are too big. I did order a set of reducers to 1/2 inch so they should work better, I hope.

The PUMP, I will be replacing with an Iwaki 20, since I found out the other night that my overflow CAN NOT handle that kind of water volume per hour, even with two Durso standpipes. Brand spanking new Iwaki 40, and the place I bought it from wouldn't take it back since I plugged it in and ran water through it. Looks like I'll be selling the Iwaki 40 soon, after I get freed up.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078tank_water_test.jpg
ALL this water is being pushed by the Iwaki MD40RLXT (Japanese), which my overflow couldn't handle. It looks cool though. I almost flooded the dining room with this pump. I also thought the extra grooves that I cut through the top of the overflow would be enough to accomodate the water flow, but NOPE!

[concept3]

Here is a REDO of the old setup. WHAT WAS I THINKING BEFORE?

Much quieter setup, No more Niagara falls!!! YAY!!! I was hoping that the Pump would work better this time (I cut two more grooves and opened up the tabs in the overlow).......STILL THE SAME! TOO MUCH WATER! I guess I'll have to wait until Friday for the Iwaki 20 to get here.....aaaarrrggghhhhh........ I can finish up the wiring for the halides in the meantime.........

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078second_contraption.jpg
Two pipes coming down into a 1 1/2 inch pipe, and then joins. It splits straight down into the refugium with a ball valve for water control, and the rest dumps back into the filter sock.

[Reeftreasures]

so with both or your drains what do you think the gph is and do you think the 20 will work good since my T4 is not working how i want it to have to turn the ball valves almost completely closed for it to wotk with only very little micro bubbles

[TA]

Originally posted by concept3
I cut two more grooves and opened up the tabs in the overlow

Got a pic of this and other megaflow mods? I'm gettin ready as well and am interested in all megaflow mods that can help increase flow.

btw, lookin' real nice....impressed how quick you got it ready to go. Thanks for the ideas. :)

[concept3]

To my knowledge, Modifying the Megaflow with more holes is a lose-lose situation. I don't think that the megaflow can handle anymore than 600-750 gallons/hour IMO. I throttled down the intake for the pump about halfway (somewhere in the range of 600-800 gph), and the water would STILL go about 3/4 up the overflow slits. This was even after I added a second durso to hopefully accomodate for the extra water.

I AM open to any other suggestions to anybody ELSE who may have been successful with this or any other modifications.

[TA]

Did you see any of these?

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=523013

Was wondering if you did anything different. I kinda liked the "rain gutter" idea:rolleyes:

[concept3]

I just used the dremel to cut more slots around the edges, I might make the teeth larger tonight, maybe do the hole thing from the link you gave me. thanks, i'll post more pics later.

[tony13]

Put a ball or gate valve on the output side of the pump and you'll be able to control the flow going into the tank. Then you can keep the pump for when you get the bigger tank.
Tony

[TA]

Originally posted by TA
...am interested in all megaflow mods that can help increase flow.

Valve is a given...trying to Mod the Mega-thing to handle more flow.

[concept3]

Originally posted by tony13
Put a ball or gate valve on the output side of the pump and you'll be able to control the flow going into the tank. Then you can keep the pump for when you get the bigger tank.
Tony

Wouldn't that put more stress on the pump? I DO have a ball valve before and after the pump, and I finagled with that a little bit, and there is still too much flow, too much flow that the "Mega" (yeah right) flow can handle. I just got home now, and I'll post pics up of what I am doing at the moment..... post it in a few hours. Gotta make and eat dinner first!

On a side note, I did want all 1200 gph if possible, since I don't want anymore Powerheads in the tank. It would have been perfect, if not for the incapabilities of the mega flow.

[steve68]

u can keep the iwaki & just "T" the return so u have one going back to ur sump this way u can adjust to get the most flow out of ur pump & u can even use the other end to run a skimmer or calcium reactor.
i have a sequence 3200 & both my megaflows are to capacity i also feed a refugium off the same pump,i use all 4 holes as drains with only 2 dursos & the other 2 wide open,i even "T" back to my sump but my megaflows seems to keep up with the pump it drains a total of 2000 gallons, each 1 inch drain does 600 & each 3/4 does 400
JME

[concept3]

hmmmm..... thanks Steve.........I never thought of that. Maybe I'll try that this weekend. The guys at Home Depot know me by name now. In the meantime, I'm gonna make the holes larger on the megaflow.

Any one else on suggestions?

Here come the pics:

[concept3]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078Overflow_modification.jpg
I used a dremel (that I haven't returned yet...LOL....sorry Fred! Almost done with it!) with a conical bit. This picture is pretty bad, my hand was shaky cause I just got done halfway.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078mega_flow_modification.jpg
Here's a better shot. I might keep on going until I feel like the holes are wide enough. I might even make them taller. Hope this accomodates for all the flow.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078hood_back_with_fan_install.jpg
I also play with my hood back and cut some holes for the fan. I'm gonna go two fans blowing in from behind the halides, and two sucking upward out (heat rises....no?!?), this way, I can turn on the top fans if the water temperature gets way too hot, even without the halides on...

[concept3]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078megaflow_finished.jpg
Megaflow finally finished and ready for another re-run tomorrow. Let's see if she works! Post more until then..........

[TA]

Looks good! Was it difficult?

[saltyreef]

Nice work concept! I've seen you over at clamsdirect too. :)

[steve68]

it does look good :) are u going to make the ones on the bottom wider 2?
when i first set up my tank the water was going in through the teeth real fast i had no durso's in there just the 2 bulk heads open & the water stoped about 3/4 of the way up, so i dint have to make the teeth wider but i was ready with my dremmel.

here are a couple of pics to give u an idea.
http://www.njreefers.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10078/DSC03417.jpg

http://www.njreefers.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10078/DSC03419.jpg

[TA]

Steve, looks like your getting no surface skimming, though (water level ABOVE the teeth...or am I wrong?

Ideally, the water level should not extend above the teeth. This would provide max skimming of surface film.

Nice pics, though! :)

[steve68]

i guess because its so much turn over the surface is allways clean
i know it sounds weird but it skims the top of the water
u know what they say if it aint broke dont fix it

[TA]

You know it!
Looks sweeeeeet to me. No film...No problem :)

Don't touch it. ;)

btw...I like your acrylic brace... I gotta keep that in mind.

[steve68]

btw...I like your acrylic brace... I gotta keep that in mind.

yeap it works good i also have one that goes on top of the overflows so snails dont make their way in & over.

[concept3]

I'll be adding more slots when I get home tonight, to go around the Megaflow. The slots look like they will handle more flow, if that's the case, I might keep the Iwaki 40, but since I now have an Iwaki 20, I might use that as a closed loop pump, I don't know yet. I'll also be enlarging the slots in the bottom as well, just to make sure I get adequate water flow........we'll see when I get home, Thanks for all the info/support!

[Reeftreasures]

hey merv i got my pump to haldle the 1200gph with out a problem with only the 1 inch drain and without moding the overflow i just got rid of the durso and bam instant flow look great also now i'm thinking or using both as drains 1 inch and 3/4 inch and maybe get a bigger pump

[concept3]

Kev, Do the pipes gurgle every now and then?

[Reeftreasures]

nope not at all no sound pure quiteness if you wanna stop this weekend and check it out let me know i'm only 2 mins from your work

[steve68]

IME when u plum a tank with the right pump & flow u can get away with out using dorsos but it's a guessing game, it depends on the tank,elbows,head loss,overflow teeth & bulkhead size to handle the flow & if u get it right u get zero bubbles in ur sump,
reeftreasures when i had my 125 i had a mag 24 on it & after i did a head loss count i figure i was getting around 1500 GPH, well someone pointed out to me that i was getting a lot less because the they saw a picture of my set up & noticed i was using 3/4 inch pipe to return the flow back to the tank, i was like yeah right well i replumed that pump with 1 1/4 pipe came up over the back & my overflows coulnt keep up with the amount of flow, that sold me on using the right PVC size for the right pump.
if u want to use the 3/4 inch as a drain put a 1 inch adapter after the 3/4 & run 1 inch all the way to ur sump it works great.
how is ur pump set up?
JME

[chrowski]

This is an awsome thread...keep this one going I'm learning alot about how I'll let up my next tank based on this threads information!

[chrowski]

Quick question ~ you guys who use PVC pipes to run your tanks, do you attach the pipes with the same 2 part adhesive stuff plumbers use? or is there some more aquarium friendly PVC adhesive I should know about?

[saltyreef]

Yes, it is the same stuff plumbers use, but it is 3 part: a cleaner, a primer, and a sealer.

[RichT]

from my understanding... the clear cleaner is the same as the purple primer....only clear so you only actually need the two parts. I'm just using the cleaner and solvent. Joints are tight, strong and not all ugly with purple all over. I was told the purple dye was an aid to the plumbers to easily confirm they had primed the joint. The main ingredient of the cleaner/primer is Acetone.You could actually use acetone if you wanted but you have to go sparingly. Straight Acetone has a tendency to over soften the PVC. I got all this information from a professional pipefitter/plumber, so I belive it to be reliable.

[Reeftreasures]

steve i'll take a pic of my plumbing today sometime

[concept3]

Pump should be in as we speak, I'm getting it delivered to my girl's workplace.....Tonight, I'll run my system with the Iwaki 40 first and see how that works with the enlarged megaflow slots, then I'll test run the Iwaki 20 and see how that works. I'll probably take a few pics later and post them up tomorrow since I won't be home until 11:30 pm'ish tonight. Keep you guys updated!

Rich, as far as your question about the Concept1, 2 and 3:

Concept1: 1994 Toyota Corolla (AE101 chassis code) T=Turbo
Concept2: 2003 Mazda Protege5 (P5)==she won't let me touch her car!!! LOL
Concept3: 2003 Mitsu Lancer Evolution8 (AWD 330hp crank CT9A chassis code)

Here's concept1: http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/655399

Have fun guys!

[concept3]

well, couldn't do what I planned to do, I got home very late, and didn't want to start messing with the tank around 12:30 am. I did get the Iwaki 20 today, and I placed it right next to the 40. OMG it's freakin tiny compared to the other guy. I'll try to run some water in the tank on Sunday, I'll have an early day off at work and I should be home by 9:00pm at the latest (trust me, 9:00pm to be back home is early for those of us who work RETAIL)

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078Iwakis.jpg

[BlueTBird]

What a great thread. Love all the details you are providing. Your doing a great job. Cant wait to see how your flow test goes with the 20.

By the way, I just sold two 40's and I know other folks are looking for them it you decide to sell your 40.

[concept3]

Originally posted by BlueTBird
What a great thread. Love all the details you are providing. Your doing a great job. Cant wait to see how your flow test goes with the 20.

By the way, I just sold two 40's and I know other folks are looking for them it you decide to sell your 40.
Hey.....I know you.

You're Btang from thereeftank forums. Glad you stopped by my thread and checked out my transfer project.

[Reeftreasures]

show us some updates on the beast Merv

[TA]

Originally posted by Reeftreasures
show us some updates on the beast Merv

Yeah....Wanna see how the 'new' Megaflow is workin out!

[concept3]

HA! I wish I got stuff done this weekend, but I work retail! Here's a quick update though.....

I got home around 11:45pm last night, made dinner and ate. I couldn't wait until today to "test fit" the new pump, so I placed it right next to the Iwaki 40. The 20 model sits a tad bit shorter than the Iwaki40, so I needed to replace the wooden legs it was sitting on. STUPID me, I siliconed the wooden legs to the bottom of my stand (I was thinking "use SILICONE to dampen the vibration"......MOUSEPADS have silicone in them, don't they? They use mousepads to dampen vibration on external pumps, don't they?)

So here I am at 3:00am last night trying to PRY loose the two pieces of wood together with a VICE GRIP and WHACK! I slammed the Sump with the freakin VICE!!!! After cursing myself off about 1,056 times last night, I went to Petsmart on my lunchbreak today and bought another $20 20-gallon tank.

I just finished drilling it AGAIN a few hours ago and am currently applying silicone AGAIN to hold the baffles up for the sump AGAIN.

Here are a few pics:

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078cracked_sump.jpg
WORD OF ADVICE: Never start anything you know you won't be able to finish the same day after a long day at work and being tired! This is what happens! Note the new sump behind it! Another thing...I drilled the new bulkhead hole in less than 25 minutes this time!



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078megaflow_slot_cutting.jpg
Here is how I made more notches around the megaflow in case you were all wondering. I should have water in the tank on Tuesday for another test run with the Iwaki 40. We'll see how the megaflow mods work then.

I'm taking off work Tuesday to Friday, so if all goes well, I'll have everything worked out by Friday...........just waiting now for my FRIED...I MEAN LIVEROCK to cure now..............

[TA]

Can you show me a close-up pic of the dremmel bit (or bits) you used to widen (or make) the teeth of the mega-flow?

btw...man, I would have been so P!$$@&-OFF if just shattered my sump...sounds like you're getting back on track, though. Good for you...I like persistence :)

Tony

[concept3]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078Overflow_modification.jpg
I used the same CONICAL bit to enlarge and widen the holes. I did use a circular cutter to make straight lines first, then used the conical pont to widen. My hands aren't that steady when it comes to making fine details, so I used Painter's masking tape as a guide to keep my hands in check. Just take your time and it'll come out the way you want it. Basically, the deeper you go into the plastic with the Conical Bit, the wider the holes will get. Since I am somewhat of a stickler to detail, I used an X-acto blade to clean up any burrs from the plastic at the end. Another word of advice when widening the holes: Keep the bit and your hand as SQUARELY close as possible to the Megaflow box.

[TA]

Instituted the 'Concept' Mod...worked great!

Same bit, same result. All Megaflow-ers should use it. After seeing it completed, I'm not all too sure you needed to cut any 'extra' teeth. I think that mod at least doubled if not tripled the amount of flow that thing will handle now.

Thanks, that was one of the last remaining things I needed to do!

[concept3]

Well, got a few things done today. I'm about 90% done on the hood wiring and electrical. Just gotta clean em up a bit. I'll be using two 4.5 inch computer fans up TOP to draw hot and humid air out, and two 4 inch fans to draw in air from BEHIND the halides.

I also installed the VHO actinics about 3 inches underneath the Mogul sockets of the halides. I placed both VHO's towards the back of the tank since I want to use them only as "flouresce" light, not so much as my primaries like the MH. I placed them at back so the tank will be easier to fiddle around with. VHO Ballast was mounted directly behind the hood, but the Icecap MH ballasts will reside in the same cabinet they are in right now.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078actinic_test_fit.jpg
Test fitting on the placement of the VHO's. I wanted them out of the way for those long excursions in fiddling with Liverock and Corals..............



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078hood_electrical.jpg
Here is a shot of the fan placements....Two behind, two above. I hate freakin messy wires!


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078VHO_electrical.jpg
Here is the ballast being soldered on. No twist connectors for this bad boy! I'll be keeping this setup for a while!

[concept3]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078actinic_glow.jpg
Here's a test run...

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078s_only.jpg


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078actinic_VHO.jpg
A Close up shot of the VHO placement

I also did a wet run of the Iwaki 40 today. Too much water! Not enough for the dursos! I swapped it out for the Iwaki20. Perfect! I guess I'll be selling the Iwaki 40 after I get everything squared away........Maybe I'll use it for a closed loop system. Who knows what will happen next. Everything's a CONCEPT you know :)

[TA]

Originally posted by concept3
Too much water! Not enough for the dursos!

Curious...

1. What do you mean by "Not enough for the durso's"? Do you mean that the durso's can't handle all that water or was it the Megaflow Mod...wasn't the Mod able to handle the flow?

(I used the "Concept" Mod and, while I havn't tested it yet, no doubt in my mind its gonna work much better than the stock version.)

2. How many outlets and what size pipe leading into the tank? Couldn't reall tell from your earlier post.

3. How did you wire up your fans? I'm just finishing my hood (2 x 250 IceCaps; 2 x 95W VHO actinics; 2 x 4.5" computer fans)...got it all wired (except fans), and like you, I hate messy wires. I was planning on running some 'conduit' (3/4" PVC) along the back of my hood (back of my hood is fully open for ventilation) were all my wires will be neatly hidden (as well as supported and away form salt).

Looks nice. You buying new rock? If so, have you decided what kind and where to get it?

I right behind ya! :D

Keep Reefin'

[kabal2]

wow man a beautiful job your doing keep it up , and thank you for this thread is teaching alot , keep it up man 8)

[concept3]

Originally posted by TA
Curious...

1. What do you mean by "Not enough for the durso's"? Do you mean that the durso's can't handle all that water or was it the Megaflow Mod...wasn't the Mod able to handle the flow?

Yeah, that was another late night update as you could see that I posted it up right before midnight as I was waiting for dinner to get cooked. What I really meant to say (in detail) is: A standpipe with inside diameter of 1" can accomodate 600 gallons of water per hour (fact). Having one durso in a megaflow works great, and having two (in my mind) should work better. I just haven't gotten to the point yet where I'm able to get equal amounts of flow on the downpipes to reduce gurgling or echoing from the other (the other empty and the other taking in water). The second durso that I made will be converted to an emergency drainage (overflow security....doubt if it'll ever overflow with the "megaflow mod") for now until someone can give me a few more pointers out there on how to make this work QUIETLY.

I was reading a few threads out there about the Durso standpipes, and some DO NOT recommend using TWO in the same overflow box for such reasons aforementioned.


2. How many outlets and what size pipe leading into the tank? Couldn't reall tell from your earlier post.
I'm using the Stock Durso that came with the RR tank (AGA 75 gallon) which uses a 1 inch bulkhead. The PUMP RETURN which uses a 3/4 inch bulkhead is what I've been messing with ON and OFF for the past few days as my second durso made out of a 1" PVC Tee, a 90 degree angle and a cap.


3. How did you wire up your fans? I'm just finishing my hood (2 x 250 IceCaps; 2 x 95W VHO actinics; 2 x 4.5" computer fans)...got it all wired (except fans), and like you, I hate messy wires. I was planning on running some 'conduit' (3/4" PVC) along the back of my hood (back of my hood is fully open for ventilation) were all my wires will be neatly hidden (as well as supported and away form salt).
Fans will be wired up today, I'm still brainfarting about that one. I am currently using a 12 volt power adapter bought in Circuit city, the kind that enables you to change voltage. I have two 12 volt adapters right now, and it's a pain since they take up so much space. I'll wire them up individually for now, I can always change them in the future.

I might get a 24 volt transformer/adater instead and wire them up in SERIES in such a way: adapter to fan #1 +, - to + (fan #2), - back to adapter.....it's a little hard to explain without a diagram...... basically, it's the same way you would wire up TWO 2 ohm single voice coil subwoofers to achieve a 4 ohm load (for any of you car audio freaks out there...including myself :) )
I'm using Electrical Split Loom to hide the wires. Easy on, Easy off. Go to Pepboys........

[Reeftreasures]

are you done yet? hey i'm getting ready to redo the system again. just not what i want from it so i guess it's back to the drawing board, need more flow haha. i gotts get that 15 gallon tank to you so you can drill it for me if you have the time. got a mag 9.5 i think i'm gonna try this time. also got a lot of new goodies-

redsea ozone
redsea classic skimmer
2-15watt uv sterlizers
refugium light 18 watt pc
2-mag 7
mag 9.5
and i think i'm gonna go with 2-250 watt 14K's instad of the 175's

well thats enough spending money for now if i could only sell some of my other tanks to get the money back. i'll try and get in touch with you this week.

[concept3]

All right Kevin..... I'll be there, you know where to find me....Look for the red car LOL.

UPDATE: I did another wet test today for leaks and final fitting. I added some molding to the tank top, to finish it off and some final painting to do tomorrow. Everything works perfect, the only thing now is the loclines have to be reduced to get more pressure out. The dual dursos I got to work, One is sits taller than the other, which will act as my emergency overflow, the 1" durso is going to be the primary sump return. I'll post some pics as soon as I clean up.....The worst is finally over.

[concept3]

Well, my new tank venture is almost at a close. I finally finished the plumbing (with a CHECK VALVE against all my firends recommendations), Electrical wiring and some cosmetic issues. The tank is 98% complete, with only the fan wiring, MH ballast connectors and the final aquascaping. It's been a rough 2 1/2 weeks, but everything is almost at an end.

Here are a few tweeks that I made the past 3 days:


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078check_valve.jpg
True Union CHECK VALVE to prevent back-siphoning that could possibly go downstairs to my neighbor's dining room. Against my fellow aquarist' recommendations......LOL.........better be safe than sorry!



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078chec_valve_on_pump.jpg
Here it is installed just above the pump. I think I went overboard with the PVC unions, but I did that so I could swap out the check valve for a ball valve or something else in the future.

[concept3]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078final_molding.jpg
After looking at a 1/2 inch gap from the front of the tank and sides to the molding, I decide to throw another piece to make it look more uniform, plus it should prevent any kind of dirt or salt from falling in the gap. Just a minor aesthetic touch up......... Do it once, do it right!

I also repainted the stand and hood a third time to give it that well-finished look.



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078final_molding_painting.jpg
A close up of the final trim.....makes the tank look much better

[concept3]

I was running out of things to do, so I spent another few extra dollars today and made myself a GCFI box to hook up my pump and other equipment. I kinda rigged the setup using a 9 foot 15 amp power cord and an external box. I also threw in a "wet box" to make it look like I paid someone to do it........ not to mention the "cool" factor!!!

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078electrical_box_parts.jpg
Here's another mess that I made in the living room today....

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078elctrical_box.jpg
Here's the outdoor box and two GFCI 15 amp breakers hooked up to that 9 foot 15 amp extension cable that I cut the ends off...... I know it would have been cheaper to buy raw wire and a plug, but I've done so much work already as it is. Lazinitis is starting to kick in.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078electrical_box_location.jpg
The Electrical box's final resting place. This will be hooked up to a UPS backup system (originally intended for computers) for power faliures or surges. I don't wanna fry my equipment. You never know in a condo complex. The only things that will be hooked up to the box are: Iwaki 20, 2 Icecap ballasts and the fans. Everything else will be on its own direct powerstrip.

[concept3]

Everything is looking good as far as ETA transfer of my livestock and rock (1-2 weeks). I'll be fine tuning any thing that I can find wrong or not up to par........ in the meantime, I would like everyone's 2 cents and recomendations on what I need to be aware of as far as possible equipment hang-ups or how I'd be able to move my 40+ colonies of coral/clams...you know, just like moving into a new "house"

Anything would be appreciated.

[demon16v]

Hey Merv,
I just got through reading your tread and everything looks great so far.
What I did to get the “Mega Flow” (not so MEGA) to handle a larger pump was 1. enlarge the overflow, like you already did and 2. used a Dremel with a sanding barrel to open the glass to a larger size, where the bulkheads pass through to the sump. They were both opened up to fit a 1.5 bulkhead. This worked great and only took about 5 min for one hole and about 10-15 for the other. The only down side is you will go through 10-15 sanding barrels.
This was for a 90 gal, duel Dursos, 30gal sump with an Iwaki 70, 1500gph, and with the ball value wide open. I used 2 returns with 1/2 Loc-Line with 2 1/2 fan nozzles also. This setup gave good high flow and water movement.

I’m sure that you don’t want to take everything apart again but since it is not stocked I would re due the plumbing and make the Iwaki 40 work. IMO a Iwaki 20 is not enough flow for the return especially when you calculate the head loss from the plumbing.

[concept3]

Originally posted by demon16v
Hey Merv,
I just got through reading your tread and everything looks great so far.
What I did to get the “Mega Flow” (not so MEGA) to handle a larger pump was 1. enlarge the overflow, like you already did and 2. used a Dremel with a sanding barrel to open the glass to a larger size, where the bulkheads pass through to the sump. They were both opened up to fit a 1.5 bulkhead. This worked great and only took about 5 min for one hole and about 10-15 for the other. The only down side is you will go through 10-15 sanding barrels.
This was for a 90 gal, duel Dursos, 30gal sump with an Iwaki 70, 1500gph, and with the ball value wide open. I used 2 returns with 1/2 Loc-Line with 2 1/2 fan nozzles also. This setup gave good high flow and water movement.

I’m sure that you don’t want to take everything apart again but since it is not stocked I would re due the plumbing and make the Iwaki 40 work. IMO a Iwaki 20 is not enough flow for the return especially when you calculate the head loss from the plumbing.

I did try to rerun the Iwaki 40 again! I simply switched the plumbing and decided to check the flow of the "not so MEGAFLOW"
Every thing ran PERFECT! I must've been doing something wrong with the Dual Dursos because they gurgled and slurped, until I checked out Malcolm's system and he gave me ideas (thanks Malcolm). It didn't do it this time, plus I lowered the larger pipe about 3/4 of an inch. That's how it got majority of the flow.

THE ONLY THING IS: My living room is 8 feet away and I can hear the sump because of the water flow! Edit: It was way too loud for my taste! I like to watch TV at home and not at the beach! So ALAS, I will have to sell the Iwaki 40 after all.

Here are a few pics of all 1200 gallons of water rushing through the Modified Megaflow

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078Megaflow_with_1200gph.jpg
Water rushing in the Modified Megaflow

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078sump_with_1200_gph.jpg
I was afraid that the sump was gonna spill over with bubbles. I should've gotten a 29 gallon tank for the height, but that would have left me with less tinkering space which I like to do often....(yeah right)

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078water_surface_with_1200_gph.jpg
This water flow may not look too impressive, but I have SIX 3/4 LOCLINE outlets sitting 3 inches underneath and parallel the water surface aimed towards the overflow. That should roughly be 140-180 gph per outlet (including headloss) IWAKI 40 is 1200gph at 4' head

[TA]

With the two durso's and the Iwaki40 running at 1200gph...was any water draining through the 3/4" bulkhead or was all of it through the 1"?

[concept3]

very little water through the smaller durso, just enough to compensate for the extra water flow. I WOULD have used the larger pump, but I can't afford to have all that noise especially when I like my peace and DEAD quiet. When I hopefully move to a larger house, I WILL definitely do the same thing over again, but with a MUCH larger tank and pump. My goal is at least 15 to 20 X turnover rate since it will be an all SPS tank AGAIN :)
I'm trying to get rid of all the powerheads all together for heat and electrical issues.

[concept3]

I installed moonlights on my 55 gallon tank a few months back just to give the fish some "nightlight." I am doing the same for this 75 gallon. Back then, I used 4 LED singles bought at Circuit city, courtesy of the Roadshop department. With a bit of ingenuity and patience, I drilled four holes in the 55 gallon's hood and hooked them up to an AC/DC adapter, also bought at Circuit city. They still work, and will be leaving it in the hood when I sell the tank since they are sealed with silicone. They are already aimed towards the center of the tank anyway.

TIME FOR AN UPGRADE!!!

I was walking around Circuit City today and noticed that in the "ricer" :lmao: section of the Roadshop, there were LED "projector-type" lamps. I figured, what the heck....if you can't make em work, they're only $10

Here they are.....AND IT WORKS!!! Not only do they work with the same 12 volt AC/DC adapter, they SWIVEL on a base as well. I got the BLUE LEDS of course...........

ANOTHER "CONCEPT" modification!!!


http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1048.JPG
RAW MATERIALS. Cut off the Cigarette lighter plug, will be hard wired under the hood.


http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1049.JPG
I will be installing two on each side of the Canopy brace.


http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1050.JPG
LEDs can be angled!!! Perfect to highlight that one special coral for you to stare at for hours on end...... night after night after night after night *yawn*

http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1051.JPG
Semi-finished product pre-soldering.


ETA on the TANK TRANSFER:
2 weeks and counting.............

[DRZL-sauras]

Your tank looks pimp-tastic man, thanks for all the setup pics, I love these types of threads

[TA]

Thats it..........................


I'm runnin' out to Circuit City today! ;)
I've got a spare 12V adaptor...not anymore :)

Nice...very nice. They're not too brite or too focused, are they????

Thanks

Tony

[concept3]

Nope........just perfect. The best part is they swivel, and you have somewhat of a "spotlight" to highlight your center piece or "prized" pieces of coral........

Only problem is, I consider ALL my corals as my prized collections...........LOL

[Phyl]

Merv, the stand and canopy look fantastic. I'm getting ready to make a new canopy and was wondering if you could take/post some detailed pictures of the canopy? I'd also like some basic measurements, like how tall the canopy is, how wide it is and how far it is from the back edge to the diagonal on both the top and the bottom. Was there anything that gave you a problem on assembly? I'd also like pictures of the inside with the way the lights are mounted.

Thanks a bunch for sharing your masterpiece with us!

[concept3]

Hey Phil,
I tried to collectively gather what I remember when I started building my stand and hood, but I couldn't remember evrything. I also tried to re-measure the hood and all the dimensions, but I'd rather post some major features up so that you may take an idea and run with it. There is nothing better than your own "conceptual" hood design.... :D if you know what I mean.

SO SORRY for the size of the pics, I didn't have time to resize them. I'll give you specifics on how I put it together, right now I'm getting sleepy.

http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1052.JPG


http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1053.JPG


http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1054.JPG


http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1055.JPG


http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1056.JPG


http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1057.JPG

[mud711]

Nice setup. I also have a 75gl, I did not see any ventilation. With the mh lighting heat may become a big factor. I have two 150w mh plus flourescents and two fans.
Mud

[concept3]

Originally posted by mud711
Nice setup. I also have a 75gl, I did not see any ventilation. With the mh lighting heat may become a big factor. I have two 150w mh plus flourescents and two fans.
Mud
ya gotta follow the thread. I have 4 holes, two on top, two behind.

[mud711]

:rolleyes: Sorry bout that!

[TA]

I'm running 2x250W MH + 2x95W VHO (actinic) in my canopy. The back is almost (90%) completely open. Running 2x4.5" fans about 50cfm (hard to say for sure because I reduced the voltage to cut down on air, but they blow a significant amount). Even so, although I have yet to add water, I can easily detect a good amount of heat build up in the canopy. Whether its enough to raise the tank temp remains to be seen.

Point: If you gonna go MH, be sure to have GOOD AIR FLOW.

I reduced the voltage to cut down on air

I mean sound...NOT air!

[headshrink]

Very cool!
Could you please tell me what kind and size of wood you used on the canopy.... I want to make one based on your design.

[steve68]

i have 3 250 w MH & back is 100% open & i have 2 4.5 fans blowing from 1 side to the other.
with my first canopy i had 4 fans but it was 100% closed & heat was an issue.

[concept3]

Originally posted by steve68
i have 3 250 w MH & back is 100% open & i have 2 4.5 fans blowing from 1 side to the other.
with my first canopy i had 4 fans but it was 100% closed & heat was an issue.
How high were the halides off the water, and what was the photoperiod? My current tank's hood is only 20% open, BUT both computer fans don't blow one in, one out. They BOTH blow out. This gave me another 2-3 degrees in temperature drop. My lights also sit about 9 inches from the water surface. I know people say you KILL your fans quicker due to salt air blowing through, I HAVE 6 of these sitting around the house that my computer-fixing friend gave me. ($2 a piece his cost he says)

The new hood will run with the two behind the halides blowing in when the halides turn ON, and the top ones will be sucking air out on top almost 18 hours a day for evaporation.

[concept3]

Originally posted by headshrink
Very cool!
Could you please tell me what kind and size of wood you used on the canopy.... I want to make one based on your design.
I used Birch plywood as the main "box" since anything that is a composite is stronger than just a single plank. (I got a 4' X 8' 3/4 inch plank for $38 at home depot; All I needed for both the stand and hood were 2 pieces.) You do have to remember that since it has "layers" you'll need to dab an extra dose of paint to seal all the edges that could act as a water condensation sponge. I cut out squares as you can see, and then I SKINNED the whole thing in Plywood. Why all the extra work? I wanted the hood to be lighter so it was easier to take off the tank need be, while retaining its shape just in case it did start getting soaked in condensation.

Give or take my total cost for both the stand/hood were in the range of $140-$190 including hardware and moulding which is EXPENSIVE!

BUT, Having easy access to your tank and having a stand that NO ONE has: PRICELESS!

Hood Dimensions is as follows:
50" long
19" deep
16" high

Materials for Stand and hood:

TWO 4'X8' (3/4")YOUR choice of Plywood (I went with birch, since I thought of using STAIN at first, but changed my mind as I was progressing.)
TWO 2'X4' for Tank stand support/bracing
ONE piece of 4'X4' (1/8") plywood for SKINNING canopy, maybe less
Various 90 degree braces for structural integrity of canopy and stand.

48" long hinge (canopy)
Wood glue.
Drywall screws 1 1/2" and 2"
Moulding.........you get to choose your design. Mine was called a FIREPLACE once :(

[concept3]

Stand was started by making a "box" with the top that closely matched the Foot print of the Tank. It is alos better to go larger than to be short. I used the 90 degree braces to keep the corners in check as well as structural rigidity. I also used liquid nails heavy duty construction glue. Buy the ones you can use with a gun. Much easier. You can use nails at this point, but I needed to use my Makita drill, so I chose to use screws. Use drywall screws as they are cheap and hold a hell of a grip.

The top piece of wood (where the tank sits on) measures 48" long by 19" deep (or wide).

The Left and right sides measure 18" by 33" tall

The Front and Back of the stand was a Whole piece of wood 48" by 31.5"

Construction:

The sides slap on to the top, giving the whole TOP foot print of the stand (where the tank sits on) 49.5" (48" top + 0.75" left + 0.75" right)

The front and back follow suit, it is easier when you are building it, I'm going nuts trying to explain the process.

This is your "box." I then proceeded to glue and screw in the 2 by 4's to support the tank's footprint. The tank WILL NOT sit directly on top of the 2 by 4's, rather, it will sit on the plywood, that the 2 by 4's will be supporting from underneath.

[concept3]

As you can see from this angle, the 2 by 4 is being used to support the top piece of plywood. The tank still sits on a flat surface, which IMO is better than an uneven piece, prone to warping in the future.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078second_contraption.jpg

I used 1" X 2" pine as "legs" for the 2 by 4's. These were all glued and screwed in to the plywood, thereby creating a stronger multilayered composite.

Pretty much that was all. I just cut openings for where I was gonna place the doors with a smaller circular saw. I decided to make the whole back as open as possible, for easier future access for plumbing, evaporation, electrical, etc. The best part was the fact that I used the back "cut-out" as my doors for the front side of the tank, and the "cut-out" for the doors were used as the sides of my hood.

[concept3]

Installing the molding was a little tough, since you need a Mitre box and saw. Gotta be the best $9.99 combo I ever spent. I used it to cut all my PVC as well.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078The_Fireplace_or_75_gallon_DIY_stand.jpg
I just threw this up here to give you guys an idea for trim and finishing.



THE HOOD:
It was built the same way as my stand. I built a "box" and then proceeded to cut out squares where you really didn't need it for structural integrity. I COULD have built a FRAME out of 1' X 2" pine, but I did that a few years ago, and didn't last. Building it this way gives me a little bit more peace of mind since I know it would last longer, not to mention quicker to build, since you didn't have to build a frame with joints, and using right angles, etc etc.

I then "Skinned" the open holes with 1/8 inch plywood.

[concept3]

Now this is what a few of you are waiting for:

Hood opening.........Very simple concept: After building your "box," think of an imaginary angle that you would feel most comfortable with. Cut that angle on one side, and then cut the other to go across the entire span of the hood. Using a long hinge, attach them back again. You now have an "easy access" hood.

Pictures are so much easier:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078DIY_hood.jpg

[concept3]

The back of the canopy was actually finished by using a 50"X 16" piece of 1/8" plywood. It comes off for easy access, but I don't think I'll ever need to do that.


Trim or Molding is key to a project like this. You can use Trim to hide any imperfections on the tank, as well as screws that are holding the tank together. Even if there are exposed imperfections, the trim of the hood/stand takes away from it, making them less noticeable.

[headshrink]

Awsome! Thanks for the play-by-play. I will have to go back to the hardware store.... I got the wrong stuff. I got 1"x3" for the frame but that would have been a challenge to keep straight and square. I like your idea of cutting pannels out of ply.

[steve68]

MY MH where 9 inch from the water & i have never had problems with salt creep on the bulbs so u will ok, since i built my first canopy i have kept the lights on the same photoperiod MH are on for 9.5 hours & atinics are on for 10.5.
i cant believe u made all those cuts with a hand mitter saw,i have seen the boxes & thought NO WAY can u get a nice mitter cut,welli guess it depends on ur skills,good job.
:beer:

[headshrink]

I started mine officially today after about 4 trips to the store...
I sure wish I had a pannel saw and a larger fence on my table saw!

I have the face, top, and sides cut out (a touch short on the top - yikes) cut out. I haven't cut the centers out of them yet though.... I thought you said to do them after it is a box.
I just glued and stappled the sides to the face... it is drying and clampped up now. I am thinking ahead to that diagnal cut... (I'm thinking 20 degrees)... Am I suposed to stand the box on end and run it across the table saw? Or is there a better way?

[concept3]

Originally posted by headshrink
I started mine officially today after about 4 trips to the store...
I sure wish I had a pannel saw and a larger fence on my table saw!

I have the face, top, and sides cut out (a touch short on the top - yikes) cut out. I haven't cut the centers out of them yet though.... I thought you said to do them after it is a box.
I just glued and stappled the sides to the face... it is drying and clampped up now. I am thinking ahead to that diagnal cut... (I'm thinking 20 degrees)... Am I suposed to stand the box on end and run it across the table saw? Or is there a better way?
I'm sorry if you guys misunderstood me, I don't have a table saw. The only saw that I used was an 18V cordless circular saw. I wish I had a table saw, but I don't have my own garage, and I'm not about to put a table saw in my best friend's garage, I'd rather buy that when I have my own. You could probably use a jigsaw, but I found out that circular saws make straighter cuts. As far as an angle goes, I think mine comes closer to 35 degrees. See what you're comfortable with, think about the tank depth as well. You can cut the "box" now, and then make similar angled cuts on the trim after you've cut out the angle. Remember, you are only using the plywood for structural rigidity, so you need to leave at least a 3 inch border on the hood. I didn't cut out holes on the side panels of the canopy. Only on the top and front. Glad to be of service.

[headshrink]

Could you please clarify about the 3" border for the "Skeleton." Is that just on the bottom edges or elsewhere?
I know there needs to be overlap of the tank top - but isn't it ok if the 3/4" and 1/8" plys are the same length to the edge?
I am also making mine 16" tall but that includes the overlap... so if it didn't in yours, mine is technicallu shorter.

[headshrink]

...Also how wide did you do the boarders on the 3/4" ply? I was guessing 2-3" and 4-5" in the center.

[concept3]

http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1062.JPG



http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1063.JPG

[concept3]

Originally posted by headshrink
Could you please clarify about the 3" border for the "Skeleton." Is that just on the bottom edges or elsewhere?
I know there needs to be overlap of the tank top - but isn't it ok if the 3/4" and 1/8" plys are the same length to the edge?
I am also making mine 16" tall but that includes the overlap... so if it didn't in yours, mine is technicallu shorter.

Okay, got a little confused there....

I'll try to make it simpler.
A: 4.5 inches
B: 2.5 inches
C: 4.5 inches
D: 6.5 inches
so yes, you are correct on the dimensions! I just kinda cut out the wood as I went, no real blueprints on this part. How's your hood coming along?

[jer1198]

lookin good concept, im in Little Egg harbor, so we are close.

[concept3]

Originally posted by salty guppy
lookin good concept, im in Little Egg harbor, so we are close.
sup man? glad you joined in!

[jer1198]

is that you in the avtar??
where did you get your chair???

Im a HUGE race fan!!!!
race online all the time.

[concept3]

Originally posted by salty guppy
is that you in the avtar??
where did you get your chair???

Im a HUGE race fan!!!!
race online all the time.
It's not a "chair" LOL
It's a real race seat...sitting in my living room
Sparco Evo.
I'm playing GranTurismo4 with the "force feedback" steering wheel and pedals..........I didn't like it. I kept on losing!

Back to the thread........

[RichT]

shouldn't drink and drive

[headshrink]

Hopefully I will have pics up soon too.

[concept3]

I've been trying to find time in finishing this transfer already....... I'm actually taking a week off hopefully first week of May to finalize the tank and start the transfer. I'm trying to minimize stress to my corals by setting up both tanks and sharing water between them, it has been an extremely laborious and time consuming task......something I hope not to be doing again anytime soon.

Well, all this free time enabled me to crack my head again for ideas, and since I mainly have SPS, flow is a major concern. Instead of placing a mountain of Live rock like I have had in the past, I built a "Live rock bracket" to hold choice flat pieces of Live rock up. This bracket wraps around my modified megaflow and should help water circulation, and should fill the tank up so it looks full. I'll be utilizing zip ties on the Live rock and the PVC pipes that is drilled... Here are a few pics:

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078Live_rock_bracket.jpg
BRACKET was made with 1/2" PVC pipe, a whole lotta T's and a few 45 degree elbows. Use your ingenuity.....come up with a design that works for your application. I drilled 3/8" holes in the pipes randomly to prevent "dead" spots...... everything was cemented together, minus the middle elbows so I can swing them out in case I want a larger base.

[concept3]

TEST fitting......



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078Live_rock_bracket_2.jpg
Here is the Bracket that I made in a "wet test" with Live rock. I angled the pipes to fit my needs as far as slope and angles go, and the best part is, I don't think I'll even need to utilize Zip ties.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078Live_rock_bracket_3.jpg
My final lay out for the aquascape will look similar to this...... There's the arch I made, that'll be placed higher up in the rockwork.....

[concept3]

By the way, did I mention that I hate the location and look of the megaflow?!?!? That's part of the reason why I decided to make this bracket, mainly to cover that box!!!

[steve68]

u know since u like to DIY so much i get the feeling ur next tank will have external overflow.
:beer:

[Phyl]

I hope you don't mind me dragging the Q&A back to the canopy :D How tall is your canopy? How high off the water does that put your lights?

Great job on the aquascaping. Very nice.

[concept3]

Originally posted by Phyl
I hope you don't mind me dragging the Q&A back to the canopy :D How tall is your canopy?
Canopy is about 15 inches tall. Lights sit about 9 inches from the water's surface since I used spacers. I plan on keeping the lights about 8 inches, but would like to see what kind of heat issues I may have with 9 inches high. I can use longer spacers in the future to adjust height.

[Phyl]

Why the spacers? And what are they made of? (thank you thank you thank you!)

[concept3]

Originally posted by Phyl
Why the spacers? And what are they made of? (thank you thank you thank you!)
Spacers to lower the whole reflector/mogul socket to adjust the height AND to provide better airflow on top of the reflector. See the fan behind (or on top rather) of the reflector...

Home Depot sells 1" aluminum tubing spacers. You can cut your own from a whole aluminum tube (I had these lying around for my 5 foot RC plane I was building last year)and use a Screw inside to adjust and/or hold it in place.

http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1052.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1062.JPG
Disregard the A,B,C and D letters. See the fan behind the reflector? More cooling!

[niloc]

Merv hurry up and finish, you know we have a lttle project to work on.:lol:

[concept3]

Tank has been transferred from my 55 to the 75 gallon. After weeks of procrastinating, I finally did it. I ALMOST ran out of salt too.....now I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that the Corals didn't go through too much stress. Some of these colonies were unbelievably huge. MADE me WONDER how they ALL fit in my 55 gallon tank. On a funny note, It took me an extra hour and a half to find all my frags "SPOTS" on their new reef flat........



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078frags.jpg
YES, ALL THIS WAS IN MY 55.....but wait, these were the frags and clams ONLY.



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078colonies.jpg
THESE were the bigger colonies, sitting in a deeper tub of water.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078colonies2.jpg
2 more colonies, the cap and Acro in a TropicMarin Salt Bucket

[concept3]

just a few interesting shots for size comparison....


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078cap.jpg
HERE'S MY RETARDED CUPPING MONTI CAP......still I ask, why doesn't it plate?


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078yellow_digi.jpg
HERE'S my Yellow monti digits.........


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078Pink_Mill_colony.jpg
MAH Pink Milli


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078brown_acro.jpg
Brown acro..........seriously, I need a name for this one! "Brown" is not a good name for an SPS!!!

[concept3]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078full_tank.jpg

Here she is in her full glory.............


umm don't mind the two differnent shades of light on the tank. I had a slight mishap involving snails, water splashes and a MH bulb....

My right arm has a nice tan now too!!!

[chrowski]

Wow, it turned out great! Good Job!

[TA]

I like it :)
You gettin' enough flow?

[concept3]

Originally posted by TA
I like it :)
You gettin' enough flow?

I would say 75% to what I expected. I had to supplement the initial setup with 2 MJ1200's to blow off excess mucus that the corals were producing due to the transfer. I was thinking of making some kind of closed loop system, but will probably leave the MJ's in there as a temporary fix. I was thinking Seios but I've seen pictures of it in a 75, and it's huge!

[DRZL-sauras]

You spit hot fire man

Can somebody say PULL UP?!

lol....looks good, any pics showing stand and canopy?

[RichT]

Originally posted by concept3
After weeks of procrastinating, I finally did it.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :celeb1: :celeb2: :celeb3: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[RichT]

:bounce1: :bounce2: :bounce3: :bounce1: :bounce2: :bounce3: :rollface: :rollface: :rollface:

[TA]

Is this gonna be BB or are you gonna add sand?
If BB, why not use starboard?

[kabal2]

damn man congratulations, really nice, one day i going to have one like that

[concept3]

Tank is BB, just like my 55. I opted not to use starboard because:
1. I was too lazy to get it
2. I've seen detritus get trapped along the edges
3. I was too lazy to look for it
4. I'm afraid it might turn brown eventually
5. I was too lazy to cut it even if I did look for it and get it!!!

Tank with stand and hood pics coming later tonight. I didn't get done until 2 am'ish............

[steve68]

cool..
how about a side shot.
:beer:

[BlueTBird]

Your 75 looks amazing. Keep the pics coming.

[concept3]

Here's the final piece!!!

http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1100.JPG
Tank, stand and hood

http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1101.JPG
Left side

http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1099.JPG
Right side, bottom half


http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1098.JPG
Right side, top half

[RichT]

I see my frags there......there.....and over there.......ooh yea and that one right there too!
;) Looks great, I'll be by to check it out in person. PM me when its convenient.

[Reeftreasures]

Merv it looks amazing did you figure out what your doing with the 55

[Marcelog]

Sweeeeet!

Marcelo -

[TA]

Hey Merv, is this how you currently have your setup (out of your gallery)?

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078second_contraption.jpg

I'm using a similar design except that I have a longer horizontal run that goes through the wall to my sump room (you can check my gallery). Anyway, I am having a tough time with my durso's, but from what I have seen you do in this thread, my design is not all that different.

I see you have a ball vavle...do you use it at all?

You use the 3/4" as emergency only? All water exits through the 1" drain? What happens as the water exits the 1" drain and meets up at the "T" junction...does it 'back-up' into the 3/4" durso?

Mine is kinda Pi$$in' me off and I'm thinkin of disconnecting the two so they drain independently. I think that with the Megaflow mod, the 1" drain should be able to handle the flow of my MAK4.

Thanks...

Nice Pics :eek1:

[concept3]

Originally posted by TA
I see you have a ball vavle...do you use it at all?

Yes, that is my current setup. The Ball valve is simply used to regulate how much water flow I need in the refugium, which I haven't really started yet. I'm gonna give the Tank a week or two to start producing some kinda waste, as I added 30-35 gallons of fresh seawater during the move, so any kind of waste had to have been diluted.


Originally posted by TA
You use the 3/4" as emergency only? All water exits through the 1" drain? What happens as the water exits the 1" drain and meets up at the "T" junction...does it 'back-up' into the 3/4" durso?
Actually, the 3/4 did end up having water coming down of it, but not at "full force" if you know what I mean. Majority of the flow is taken care of the original Durso. The T junction does not seem to have any problems with water backing up, I also used 1 1/2 inch pipe so that there is less pressure. What size durso did you make? Mine is made out of 1" pipe then reduced to 3/4 to fit in the smaller bulkhead. Don't forget to use airline tubing up top as well. They will completely cut out any gurgling (I used 3/8 silicone pipe from HD, about 24 inches long)

[TA]

Originally posted by concept3
... I also used 1 1/2 inch pipe so that there is less pressure. What size durso did you make? Mine is made out of 1" pipe then reduced to 3/4 to fit in the smaller bulkhead. Don't forget to use airline tubing up top as well. They will completely cut out any gurgling (I used 3/8 silicone pipe from HD, about 24 inches long)

1" Drain: Durso is 1.25" reduced to fit the 1" drain, then back to 1.25".

3/4" Drain: Durso is 1" reduced to fit the 3/4" drain, then back to 1", "T"-ed into the 1.25" connecting it with the 1" (now 1.25") below the tank.

Rest is 1.25" to the sump.

The "top" of my two durso's are exactly as yours (I believe) except I can't remember if they are 1/4" or 3/8". I have "airline" tubing connecting...if I close them off completely, the level on the overflow DROPS and all I get is sucking...If I leave them both open all the way, then level is fine (sort of) except it fluctuates up and down about 1" with no sucking, but still loud.

Whats that sound like to you? Not enough air getting in? Some ideas and advice would be nice!:D

[concept3]

definitely not enough air. what size air line tubing did you use? I'm using either 1/2 or 3/8 I think. I'll check when I get home later tonite.

[RichT]

Originally posted by concept3
I'll check when I get home later tonite.


hmmmmm......lets examine this......not at home.....on the computer during the day. Quit goofing off and get to work !!!!!! Wait a minute, I'm doing the same thing. Ssshhhhhhhhh:bum:

[TA]

Originally posted by concept3
what size air line tubing did you use?



...I can't remember if they are 1/4" or 3/8".

That would be I.D.


Originally posted by concept3
definitely not enough air.

What gives it away...is it the fluctuating level?

[concept3]

Originally posted by RichT
hmmmmm......lets examine this......not at home.....on the computer during the day. Quit goofing off and get to work !!!!!! Wait a minute, I'm doing the same thing. Ssshhhhhhhhh:bum:
Rich, behave...... or No frags for you!!!

:D

I'm the boss at the store here, remember? :D

[concept3]

Originally posted by TA
That would be I.D.




What gives it away...is it the fluctuating level?

Yes, I.D. on the tubing.

and yes, it shouldn't fluctuate all that much, just minor with no gurgles, you may have a lot more flow that the durso can compensate with air.

[sinkingbeach]

Looks fantastic Merv, I'm envious:D

[TA]

Originally posted by concept3
...you may have a lot more flow that the durso can compensate with air.

Do you mean that I may have too much water flowing through the durso's in general? Or.....that the flow that I currently have is simply too great for the amount of air that I am able to supply...restricted by the size of the airline tubing?

Do you think changing the air intake opening (I mean the whole air-line tube adaptor) at the top of my durso to a larger size will help?

Any ideas on what I might try first...then next...before I start thinking of ripping in down and starting over?


Thanks for the tips.

[concept3]

Originally posted by TA
Do you mean that I may have too much water flowing through the durso's in general? Or.....that the flow that I currently have is simply too great for the amount of air that I am able to supply...restricted by the size of the airline tubing?

Do you think changing the air intake opening (I mean the whole air-line tube adaptor) at the top of my durso to a larger size will help?

Any ideas on what I might try first...then next...before I start thinking of ripping in down and starting over?


Thanks for the tips.

Yes, not enough air. The durso that originally came with my AGA RR had a conical shaped air intake. I sawed off a little off the top to make it larger and jammed the larger tubing on it. My second durso sports a 3/8 barbed fitting on it jammed with the same hose.

You need more air to compensate for the water flow, basically, your durso's gurgle because the water level fluctuates up and down, which means there is lack of air compensation.

Try this: If you have a long enough airline hose, you should be able to blow air in it without too much exertion as the water goes down. You'll hear that it's quieter as well. Or you can try hooking up a spare air pump on it if you don't want to blow in the hose :)

It got very frustrating in the beginning since I couldn't figure it out, but now I know the specifics, it's awesome how much a little bit more of finagling helps.....

If it keeps on gurgling some more, raise or lower the second durso until it stops. That took me like 4 days to figure out as well, it should take you 20 minutes.

Have fun!

[concept3]

Originally posted by sinkingbeach
Looks fantastic Merv, I'm envious:D
Thanks Francis.... how're the frags doing?

[concept3]

Uhhhh Tony, the Inside Diameter is actually 1/4"......he he he, now I see why I have no gurgling noises.....

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078P4230330.JPG
Closeup


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078P4230329.JPG
Here's them in full flow.

[TA]

Now thats interesting!

Last night I changed to 3/8" then 1/2" ....:eek1:

Helped TREMENDOUSLY! :dance:

So much so, that I was able to increase flow from my MAK4 to the display...if you look carefully in my gallery at the sump, you can see I had to valve down the MAK4 and also re-direct some to the sump to keep too much flow from going to the display.

With the medgaflow mod, the water level is just below the very top of the teeth openings and both durso's are completely submerged running full tilt. (btw...I did the megaflow mod EXACTLY like yours...you took such nice pics, I was able to duplicate them almost exactly) Not the flushing noise I heard previously...just the sound of alot of water flowing through the pipes. Keep in mind that I am running through quite a few turns and about 4 feet horizontal.

Anyway, I am pleased with how it sounds now.

What pump you using as return?

[concept3]

I'm using the Iwaki20 @ 600 gph only because the Iwaki40 was creating so much water flow in the sump (Im using a 20L due to height and space issues). I might redo the sump using a 38 gallon, then I'll use the iwaki 40. The 40 is also a little louder than the 20, and I need my peace and quiet in my 8' X 8' dining room! Glad the MEGAFLOW MOD and DURSO MOD and TUBING worked out for ya!!!

Another success story.

[TA]

You Da Man!

Thanks for all the help...So....I thought I'd show you a few PICS of my own :D :

Originally posted by concept3
I'm using the Iwaki20 @ 600 gph only because the Iwaki40 was creating so much water flow in the sump....I might redo the sump using a 38 gallon, then I'll use the iwaki 40.

Yeah...I'm gettin tons of flow (close to 1000 gph) but my baffles seem to do the job sith this setup (36"x12"x18"):

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/72023Sump_1.jpg

Here are a couple pics of my overflow:

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/72023Overflow_1.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/72023Overflow_3.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/72023Overflow_2.jpg

See any similarities to your setup :D

And finally, just a bunch of rocks, but its the begining...

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/72023Tank-Front-View_1.jpg


Gotta tell you, although I'm not in this group, this thread has been very helpful (actually started all with the "Concept Mod" to the Megaflow).

Thanks again :fish1:

[concept3]

Awesome man!!! Now all you need to do is Mosey down to where I live and have some frags now that I know you have a tank just like mine :D

How are the Seio's working out for ya? I'm thinking of getting one just to get more flow behind the left rear of my bottom rockwork.

[JW Jersey]

looks great. What kind of skimmer are you running?

[concept3]

AquaC Urchin (not pro)....will be getting either the EVC120 or 180, but I only have 9" X 6" of space to work with, otherwise I was gonna get the ASM

[TA]

Thanks.

The powerhead in the center is coming out. That was there just for flow while the rock cures. Maybe I'll put it low behind the rock (but accesible) blowing from behind...havn't decided, but for sure it's UGLY! The two sieo 1100's and the MAK4 return provide nice flow throughout. I was a little surprised, because I got info suggesting that 2x820's would be enough...after putting in the 1100's, I felt that even 2x1500's would still be nice (not too much flow)...and this is only a 65 gal.

I did cut a small piece of acrylic and made a cover for the overflow to stop all that salt spray (see it?). All I need to do now is manage the typhoon going on in my sump!!!! Thats where all the baffles really help out.

Now all you need...[is to]... have some frags now....

Now don't rub any "salt" in the wound! :D
Yeah...its embarasing to have nothing but a "bunch of rocks" in there..... :rolleyes: ...but you got to start somewhere.

Anyway, just got to admit that I took some of your ideas and made them work...thanks...

JW....skimmer (see in my gallery) is one of Brent's (Barr Aquatic Systems) smaller beckett skimmers. Works VERY NICE! Brent (Zephrant here on RC) is a real artist with acrylic and NOWHERE on RC will you find anyone saying anything other than great things about his products. I love the airflow meter on this thing....I've had to adjust water flowing through the beckett a couple times (which will affect the amount of air drawn in) and I was able to maintain a consistent level of air being pulled in by simply re-adjusting the air valve...very nice feature.

Anyway...Still love your tank, Merv.

Cheers

[concept3]

Originally posted by JW Jersey
looks great. What kind of skimmer are you running?

:hmm5: uhhh, didn't realize you were asking Tony....

Tony, throw some fish in there already! I got frags for you..come get em.

I got my XM replacement bulb today, I'll throw that in to even out the lights. I also ordered EVC Tech 14K bulbs, I'm gonna try them out too. I'll throw pics up either tonite or tomorrow, I need a consensus of who likes what color better........

[TA]

Originally posted by concept3
:hmm5: uhhh, didn't realize you were asking Tony....

Tony, throw some fish in there already! I got frags for you..come get em.


:crazy1:

Maybe he WAS asking you?!?!?

Well.....rocks only 7 days 1 hour 27 min and 13 sec....old in there!
Lots of die-off and nasties being generated....I waited almost 6 months to get to this point, I can wait a little longer...BUT ONLY a LITTLE!:D

Hmmmmm.........

............how long will it take me to drive from, oh say Albany NY to...I don't know...where's that in Jersey? ;)

Besides, you got all that NEW room in there...let those babies grow out...I'll take some next year!

Cheers..btw....got to go drink a beer...later...:beer:

[lchase12]

Nice Setup and Great details.

Do you have a picture with the moon lights on? how are they working for you? do you like them?

Do you have the part number of what you purchased at circuit city?

[concept3]

What lights should I use? What is more aesthetically pleasing in your opinion? The pics are taken with no actinics, and 0 white balance on my Olympus C5000 Zoom


http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1102.JPG
Aqualine Buschke 10K on left (box says 13K?!?) EVC Tech 14K on right



http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1103.JPG
XM 10K left EVC Tech 14K on right

With actinics on, they give a flourescence which is pretty cool........

Forget about growth (I can get 6500K Iwasakis for that, but they are too yellow), just tell me what is more aesthetically pleasing in your eyes.

[concept3]

http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1106.JPG
VHO actinics only...............talk about buggin' out!!!

[concept3]

Originally posted by lchase12
Nice Setup and Great details.

Do you have a picture with the moon lights on? how are they working for you? do you like them?

Do you have the part number of what you purchased at circuit city?

Love the moonlights. My MAIN PROBLEM NOW is I go to bed around 2 am (when my Halides turn off) then get up around 3 am just to see the friggin tank with moonlights on............. :D

http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1105.JPG
This is the same shot as the previous pic with just actinics on. This time with just the "Circuit City moonlights"

[Reeftreasures]

go with the EVC bulbs looks good

[RichT]

I'm more of a fan of the white light. I haven't really developed a taste for the blue lights yet. But that's just me. Based on the pics I'm leaning towards the XM's. Probably because I have 3x250 10k in my tank and that's what I have grown accustom to. A looksee in person would help. At the end of the day, it's what makes you happy that counts. JMO

[blstravler]

I like the 14k's.

I myself just changed to 14k's with 4 VHO 95w 50/50's from 20k's with 4 VHO 95w Blue Actinics. My previous set up was way to blue and now it still has the blue but not as powerful a blue. All of my corals have lightened up and the coloration looks great.

PS let me know when you want the frags.

Keith.

[concept3]

:rolleyes: ;) :) :D :cool: Hey Keith, I'm working Monday (tomorrow) from 8:00am to 6:00 m, then I go on "Timeaway" (I guess we all call it vacation) for like 11 days. I'm not going anywhere in particular, I just need to get away from it all if you know what I mean. I'll be home for those 11 days. If you're in the area, let me know by tonight, I'll bring you a few more frags as well. I have another Milli you can have as well as a micropthalma and a brown w/ purple, all mounted. Otherwise, next week would be OK too. PM me, later bro. Thanks.

[concept3]

So far, lighting poll is
2 for 14K
1 for 10K

anyone else have preferences? I know it's personal preference, but hey, we're all sharing my tank, remember? :)

[Marcelog]

I like the Xms myself. Seems to me when you kick on the actinics you'll have plenty of blue. Just my opinion.

Marcelo -

[concept3]

ALL right!!!

2 for 2

still on the edge myself, maybe I'll throw XM 10K's and then EVC 14K's again tonight for comparison.

[headshrink]

I'm having problems installing the piano hinge. There is aprox. 1/4" gap at the top when it is closed. How did you get yours to seal evenly?

[sinkingbeach]

Originally posted by concept3
Thanks Francis.... how're the frags doing?

They are doing incredibly well :D , my wife swears she has noticed growth already.

[concept3]

Originally posted by headshrink
I'm having problems installing the piano hinge. There is aprox. 1/4" gap at the top when it is closed. How did you get yours to seal evenly?
How? I need a visual, or a better description. I test fitted the piano hinge with the door down, and marked it where it was gonna go.... to compensate for the thickness and height of the hinge. I you could throw a pic on here, it would be easier for me.

From your question, I think you're asking about the "sitting" of the hinge. I sanded the spot where the hinge was gonna go slightly down to compensate for the thickness. Try planing it down, it's easier. Is this what you mean?

[headshrink]

Yes it is... I will try that and send a pic if it doesn't work.
Thanks

[concept3]

I've had a few people ask me what kind of skimmer I used.....I used the AquaC Urchin in sump....and it did a great job. It was very compact and fit for use in my 55 gallon. Well now that I have more water volume, and still had limited space, I decided to go with the Urchin's older brother, the EVC120. It was the only size pump that I could find on the market that fit my footprint in my sump. I only had 8" X 9" to work with, and an ASM was out of the equation.

So, I bit the bullet and dished out the bucks for the AquaC BUT......NOT without a few modifications.



http://images.snapfish.com/3437%3A72%3B23232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232383863%3B%3A63ot1lsi
I ordered the EVC120 matched up to a MAG5, and I installed it using silicone tubing. Because of the space, I would get kinks in the tube which impeded waterflow. I broke out the PVC cutter and went to work. WHILE MOST OF YOU MAY FROWN AT MY USING 45 degree and 90 degree BENDS, IT WAS THE ONLY WAY I COULD MAKE IT FIT!!! so there.........


http://images.snapfish.com/3437%3A72%3B23232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232383863%3B3%3B%3Aot1lsi
I also elevated the skimmer by 1 3/4 inches since my sump was a little on the high side, I stuck PVC pipe on the bottom of the skimmer BOX to act as legs. You can see the MAG5 sitting to the right of the skimmer with some PVC and a few bends.

[concept3]

http://images.snapfish.com/3437%3A72%3B23232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E23238386375%3B2ot1lsi
I finally made the skimmer fit in the second chamber of the sump. I barely have enough room to do anything in there, but it works. As a matter of fact, it started skimming already after an hour.


http://images.snapfish.com/3437%3A72%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E23238386385%3A4ot1lsi
Here is the right side of the sump area where most of electrical resides, including the Blueline wavemaker sitting on those makeshift braces high up in the air. I also have a $10 fan from T@rget that works wonders for cooling the sump area. As a matter of fact, I've needed to crank up the heat on the heater because my temp went down as low as 74 degrees today.


http://images.snapfish.com/3437%3A72%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E2323838637%3A8%3Bot1lsi
Left side of the sump area. HERE, you will notice my two lightbulbs for my stocked refugium, thanks to RichT who has a never ending supply of CHAETOMORPHA delivered to my door...LOL. I used GARAGE LIGHTS with the PHOTO-SENSORS, so when my Halides turn off, they turn ON. (I have a barebottom, no starboard or anything)

[concept3]

http://images.snapfish.com/3437%3A76723232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232383863%3C764ot1lsi
I was messing around with the digital camera, and wanted to try out a few shots. This was taken with shutter priority shooting 1/13th....or whatever that means........
This is the top of the tank.



http://images.snapfish.com/3437%3A76723232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232383863%3C572ot1lsi
same camera setting, I guess you can't use the same setting for everything......this pic looks way too dark.



http://images.snapfish.com/3437%3A76723232%7Ffp4%3Enu%3D3254%3E%3A49%3E689%3EWSNRCG%3D323292954%3B%3B53nu0mrj
Macro shot of my purple cap, since it was close to the front glass :)

[concept3]

http://images.snapfish.com/3437%3A76723232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232383863%3C479ot1lsi
ORA scripps milli that I got from a local reefer today....Thanks STEVE if you're seeing this! same camera setting......


http://images.snapfish.com/3437%3A76723232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232383863%3C765ot1lsi
CALI TORT...not OREGON....uh what's the difference? Anyone know? From STEVE as well, as well as the next few pics........


http://images.snapfish.com/3437%3A76723232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232383863%3B9%3B3ot1lsi
Prostrata Steve said.........


http://images.snapfish.com/3437%3A76723232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232383863%3C485ot1lsi
ORA blue Millepora.....

So, right now, I have a pink (LFS Bought), scripps (STEVE), peach (BLSTRVLR) and blue (STEVE).........I'm just now missing a green and yellow....anyone have these colors?

[RichT]

Niiiiiiice...... grow um big and strong ;)

so far so good on the frags. The polyps are still out with no apparent stress. Still haven't separated the graft but will try to get to it today although they seem pretty happy the way they are. Clams about 2/3 happy but is staying put for now. Time will tell. My chaeto still isn't doing to well in my sump. I don't get it. Hair is healthy, chaeto is dying. Sheesh

Talk to you later....where's that thread on the 180?

[concept3]

Whoops, one more.....

Teal staghorn with light blue tips
http://home.comcast.net/~swerve001/wsb/media/920694/site1110.JPG

[headshrink]

Here is a progress pic of mine... you can see the slide-out (or slide back) light rack. Tank is placed in a "nitch" that had about 12" or so open behind it. I can just push the lights out of the way and dive in now :)

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=106675&papass=&sort=1&thecat=

[concept3]

Originally posted by headshrink
Here is a progress pic of mine... you can see the slide-out (or slide back) light rack. Tank is placed in a "nitch" that had about 12" or so open behind it. I can just push the lights out of the way and dive in now :)

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=106675&papass=&sort=1&thecat=

NIIIIIICCE!!!! IT IS MERV APPROVED!!! That's what I like about these DIY's, there is no wrong way to make things the right way! Awesome! I like the slide out rack for your lights. I took the liberty of posting it up here, hope you don't mind :D

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/25881mini-IMG_1500.JPG

[headshrink]

I don't mind at all - I figured out how after listing the link.

[TA]

:thumbsup:

[Zoom]

Hi Merv
Looks like all the frags doing good, I seen some polyps extension:thumbsup: Nice set up you have there I need to see it personally some day.

[concept3]

Originally posted by Zoom
Hi Merv
Looks like all the frags doing good, I seen some polyps extension:thumbsup: Nice set up you have there I need to see it personally some day.
STEVE, you are more than Welcome to, I'll even make dinner... plus, I gotta hook up that Calcium reactor I'm getting...

[Reeftreasures]

Merv i got a green milli for you as soon as i can frag it

[headshrink]

And here she it!!!!

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/25881mini-IMG_1655.JPG

I only have a light on the right side..... need another paycheck for the left.

Also considering moving the light rack forward about 2".
Bulb is about 9" off water - single 250W 20K w/ no supp.
May expiriment with my Actinic or 10K PC.... won't be able to use a reflector.... will just clip to "door".

IceCap Smart fan..... literally can almost not hear it over the pump at full speed!!!!

[concept3]

Nice! Throw us a pic of the sliding rack why don't ya!




One more thing.....Is that a DIY EDUCTOR on your Powerhead?!?!?!?
The powerhead on the top right corner of your tank that is.

where did you get that idea from?!?!?!?!

[headshrink]

Here it is with the lights rolled back.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/25881mini-IMG_1663.JPG


And here we are forward.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/25881mini-IMG_1664.JPG


It may not look like much, but for a tank that is only 12" from back to front it is a lot.

[headshrink]

Originally posted by concept3
One more thing.....Is that a DIY EDUCTOR on your Powerhead?!?!?!?
The powerhead on the top right corner of your tank that is.

where did you get that idea from?!?!?!?!


i honestly don't remember who I got the idea from... it was from a pic on RC I think. I don't think I was reading a thread about it, just saw it in a pic.... I had seen and tried a few other DIY eductors and this is by far the easiest. I really can't attest as to how well it works.... I think it works though, doesn't blow your socks off though.

I used 3/4" thinwall and cut it on my bandsaw. You could cut it with anything though. I used 2-part epoxy to attach it to the PH nozzle.

Here is a close up.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/25881mini-IMG_1667.JPG

[concept3]

You mean like this retarded guy's thread?!?!?! :lolspin: :lolspin: :lolspin:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=557645&highlight=DIY+eductor


I think you have to use a stronger pump to create more pressure in the middle. Maxijets are awesome because they're cheap and powerful....

was this the picture?
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078DIY_eductor.jpg

I think that guy deleted some pics to make room for most of his DIY nonsense.....I'll see if I can PM him and throw them back up on RC! :lmao:

























There are a quite a few out there......that's how I learned about it as well :D



I like the sliding rack option. Guess what I'll be adding on the hood of my Friend's 180+ gallon tank............... I'm taking your sliding rack and running with it! I'm gonna try and use them for mounting the VHO actinics!!!

His thread is posted here somewhere in the NJreefer's club forum......started by some post happy dude, calls himself Concept3 or something.....

[headshrink]

:D Now that is funny.... I didn't catch on till now.

Who knows... maybe it was yours maybe not.....

[headshrink]

:D Now that is funny.... I didn't catch on till now.

Who knows... maybe it was yours maybe not.....

[concept3]

I'll be postig up my DIY oystercrete frag plugs as soon as I resize these photos.....stay tuned

[concept3]

There are a few places out there that sell reef plugs, but since I was at the DOC's house today staining his stand, I figured I would go play with some sand and cement again. (Well, actually, I was bored last night and decided to cut a whole bunch of circles out of 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch PVC pipe with my new pipe cutting tool)

Reef plugs go for anywhere between $0.15 to $0.50, and I see no reason to buy them in bulk unless you are very serious about Coral farming and plan on turning out 20-50 frags a month. I know they are relatively cheap, but I decided to try and make them anyway......HEY, YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE! :lmao:


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078P5100321.JPG
Here are the circles I cut out for the molds.

I used 1/2 inch PVC for the plug cut 3/4" long

and used 3/4" PVC cut 1/4 to 3/8 long for the tops.

You'll see what I mean in the next few pics..........



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078P5100323.JPG
I poured a mixture of sand+cement in the larger rings.........


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078P5100325.JPG
Then shoved some more cement in the longer PVC and then slammed it against the larger circle.

[concept3]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078P5100327.JPG
For size comparison, here is a Nickel next to one of the plugs.

http://images.snapfish.com/343899%3B923232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232384%3A525%3B87ot1lsi
Here is my COLONY of "Reefpluggus gregorius" sub-species Mervus-conceptous..... :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[RichT]

If they don't come out of the "forms" like you expected, I have some other ideas.

Good luck

[concept3]

Rich, I don't have a drill press and you know it, don't rub it in :lmao:. Make me a few holes in a piece of pine will ya?

[RichT]

I was thinking more along the lines of a "stamp" that will make a desired impression in the sand then pour the cement wet. I also like your idea. I just got a 1 3/8" mortis bit for the door hinges on my stand. That would probably be too large though. Give me some specs and I'll see what I can come up with.

[concept3]

Rich, you know we're in the chat room

[concept3]

Well, I was a little dissapointed with the plugs, since I forgot to "oil" the insides of the PVC. It took a lot of time to pull them out of the molds, and I was able to take out only 5 intact in one piece out of 11. I have already begun constructing molds out of pine and a few drill bits, we'll see how that turns out.


On a SIDE NOTE, I received my 22 X 22 X 16 PROP tank from glasscages, and was happy that it arrived intact. I was a little dissapointed in the finishing of the bottom, it was not as smooth as I expected. It matters when you are going BB. It did not have a flat internal bottom, rather it had an internal perimeter brace for strength. I guess I'll have to work around it. I will be drilling two holes on the back of this tank, and will be plumbed back into my sump. It will share the same water as my main display.

I am planning to use this PROP tank exactly as mentioned, but my second purpose for this tank is to keep more light loving clams.

[concept3]

This prop tank will house a single 250watt 6500K bulb with no actinic supplementation. I plan on keeping the photoperiod on the 6500K at 8 hours, but will set it up in such a way that it overlaps with my main lights to provide an extra two hours...who knows what I might end up doing. As we speak, I am building a matching cabinet that will sit to the right of my tank; as well as a matching hood. It will have the same design as my main tank, only smaller.

Here is how the package arrived via Fedex:
http://images.snapfish.com/3438%3B88%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232384%3A69%3A2%3B7ot1lsi


http://images.snapfish.com/3438%3B88%3B23232%7Ffp4%3Enu%3D3254%3E%3A49%3E689%3EWSNRCG%3D323293%3B5%3A989%3Bnu0mrj
DO NOT CRUSH?!?! Now why would anyone want to purposely do that ?!?!? :lmao:


http://images.snapfish.com/3438%3B88%3B23232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232384%3A69%3B969ot1lsi


http://images.snapfish.com/3438%3B88%3B23232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232384%3A6%3A3958ot1lsi
YOU CAN SEE THE INTERNAL BRACING IN THIS PIC

http://images.snapfish.com/3438%3B88%3B23232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232384%3A69%3B763ot1lsi
PROP TANK WILL RESIDE TO THE RIGHT OF THE TANK, WHERE THE PLANT IS.

[concept3]

I also received the day before, an Olympus macro lens and polarizer. I've been hanging out in the photography forum of RC learning from others about taking pictures. I've always loved taking pictures in Macro mode since they give a completely different look to the subject. A millepora looks like a fuzzy stick to some, but at closeup, man, it's a completely different animal! Check these out.

Camera is set to manual, and every pic had it's own setting...don't ask me, I fiddled with the camera so much, I'm gonna reset it tomorrow. Camera is an Olympus C5000, with Lens adapter tube, polarizer and Macro lens (piggybacked to each other).

Pink millepora
http://images.snapfish.com/3438%3B88%3B23232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232384%3A5238%3B%3Bot1lsi


(still a little dark....it's a learning process)
http://images.snapfish.com/3438%3B88%3B23232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232384%3A69%3C953ot1lsi


http://images.snapfish.com/3438%3B88%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232384%3A69%3A%3A%3B9ot1lsi


http://images.snapfish.com/3438%3B88%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232384%3A6%3A3748ot1lsi

[concept3]

Trying out the camera and lenses....enjoy!

http://images.snapfish.com/3438%3B88%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232384%3A6%3A4832ot1lsi
Peach milli from KEITH (blstrvlr)


http://images.snapfish.com/3438%3B88%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232384%3A69%3B%3A63ot1lsi
My "monsternemone" in my girl's 20 gallon nano


http://images.snapfish.com/3438%3B88%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232384%3A69%3C%3A47ot1lsi
Discosoma in the nano as well


http://images.snapfish.com/3438%3B88%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232384%3A69%3B2%3A2ot1lsi
Here's Spike, cruisin' in the nano along with "Red" the maroon clown, the monsternemone and some shrooms.

[concept3]

http://images.snapfish.com/3438%3B88%3B23232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232384%3A6%3A4244ot1lsi
Before Polarizer lens and shutter speed low


http://images.snapfish.com/3438%3B88%3B23232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232384%3A6%3A4%3A38ot1lsi
Polarizer on and shutter speed high...plus, he's off the drugs now.... :lmao:


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078P5120435.JPG
My Copperband trying to get cleaned..... I think my Cleaner shrimp is DEFECTIVE!!! He doesn't do anything but sit under the cap. I want a REFUND!!! :mad2: :mad2: :mad2:


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078P5120444.JPG
Here's Blue trying to play hide and seek.

[concept3]

I COULDN'T RESIST. I HAD TO PUT THIS ONE UP. IF A MOD DECIDES TO TAKE IT OUT, SO BE IT. I PRESENT TO YOU, MY DOGFISH. He likes to watch me dunk my hand in the sump and sneezes when I pull out the skimmate out of the skimmer. :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

http://images.snapfish.com/3438%3B88%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E232384%3A6%3A3%3A39ot1lsi
Scooter the Dogfish


I think buying the MACRO lens and POLARIZER for my Camera has definitely made me appreciate this hobby more!

[ruden]

Merv, awesome as usual. I love the dog fish. I hear they are extremely rare in the home aquarium. I did not know they were reef safe though :).

Bob

[Marcelog]

Nice pictures! Can I borrow it to take some shots of my tank? ;)

Marcelo -

[concept3]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078P5150591.JPG
Bushy ACRO SP.?!?


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078P5150581.JPG
German blue monti digitata, ready for another branch!


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078P5150616.JPG
Tort in front of Maxima


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078P5150577.JPG
Green table coral frag


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078P5150583.JPG
Purple acro colony and a bubble LOL


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078P5150651.JPG
GSP under actinics..........still can't get those actinic shots that I want.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078P5150653.JPG
A. micropthalma under actinics

[concept3]

It's been a few weeks now, and I FINALLY finished the frag tank. Here's the stand I built about 2 weeks ago for the frag cube. It has a similar design to the main tank which it will be sitting beside.

I decided to use the same sump for the two tanks due to my limited space.
http://images.snapfish.com/343%3A7%3B9923232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E23238897572%3A6ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/343%3A7%3B9923232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E23238897578%3A2ot1lsi
I drilled 3 holes. The middle is for my sump return and a 1" bulkhead was installed. The other two are for 3/4 inch bulkheads.

[concept3]

I painted the back of the frag tank black, and the bottom white. This will be bare bottom as well to facilitate cleaning.

I placed a T for the water returns. I was torn between using PVC and soft pipe, but due to space issues, I had to go with silicone. I got them in black so I don't see the gunk that grows in them, plus hopefully won't grow any algae in there.....It's happened before!!!

http://images.snapfish.com/343%3A7%3B9923232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E2323889755649ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/343%3A7%3B9923232%7Ffp4%3Enu%3D3254%3E%3A49%3E689%3EWSNRCG%3D323297%3A664%3C3%3Cnu0mrj


http://images.snapfish.com/343%3A7%3B9923232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E2323889756%3B86ot1lsi
Here's the canopy of the frag tank. It houses a 250 watt 6500K Iwasaki bulb.


http://images.snapfish.com/343%3A7%3B9923232%7Ffp4%3Enu%3D3254%3E%3A49%3E689%3EWSNRCG%3D323297%3A664%3B%3A8nu0mrj
Only circulation in the tank will be by using a SEIO 1100.


http://images.snapfish.com/343%3A7%3B9923232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E2323889756796ot1lsi
Cut out on rack for SEIO

http://images.snapfish.com/343%3A7%3B9923232%7Ffp4%3Enu%3D3254%3E%3A49%3E689%3EWSNRCG%3D323297%3A664%3B%3A%3Anu0mrj
The main tank next to the prop tank


http://images.snapfish.com/343%3A7%3B9923232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2345%3D%3B3%3A%3D77%3A%3DXROQDF%3E23238897568%3A2ot1lsi
MAN!!! THAT 6500K bulb IS YELLOW!!!! :lmao:

[Zoom]

MAN!!! THAT 6500K bulb IS YELLOW!!!!
And Bright as the sun :D

[concept3]

Hey Steve! when we hookin' up the Calcium reactor?

[DRZL-sauras]

DayuM!...looks goood :thumbsup:

Arent you scared of the loss of coloration under the 65K and no actinic, I mean your frags might get big quick, but no nice color, no buy-ey.

[headshrink]

Is it really true that you need actinic to "create" the color?
I just went to 20K MH - from 10K and actinic PCs - corals are starting to color up but I just thought that was intensity and the color "pop" was just the 20K I was looking at at the moment, not necesarily because it grew under that specific color light - just intensity of MH. Hope that makes sense.

[RichT]

Good job Merv....now get busy filling it up. My GHA looks like it may be receding and I'll be needing some stock soon.

[concept3]

Originally posted by DRZL-sauras
DayuM!...looks goood :thumbsup:

Arent you scared of the loss of coloration under the 65K and no actinic, I mean your frags might get big quick, but no nice color, no buy-ey.
I figured to grow them out under the 6500K then they can go under the main display tank for a little vacation for like 2 weeks. That should give them a nice "glowing tan" :lmao:

[Zoom]

Originally posted by concept3
Hey Steve! when we hooking' up the Calcium reactor?
You don't have it running yet :(
Call me. I pm you my #


As for the iwasakis you will be surprise for the color of the SPS under them , I was running iwasakis for 6 years I still like them.

[Wesley B]

Your tanks look awesome

[concept3]

Originally posted by Wesley B
Your tanks look awesome

Thanks for the compliment Wesley!!!

Now how on earth did you find this geriatric thread?!?!?

Thanks again!






and Oh yeah, Steve: the Calcium reactor is now hooked up, LOL

[Zoom]

Originally posted by concept3
Thanks for the compliment Wesley!!!

Now how on earth did you find this geriatric thread?!?!?

Thanks again!






and Oh yeah, Steve: the Calcium reactor is now hooked up, LOL
Do you get good numbers?

[concept3]

420 Ca
9dKh

Ordering some Lamotte and Salifert test kits next week!

PS I started using RO/DI water now too, he he he

[Zoom]

Originally posted by concept3
420 Ca
9dKh

Ordering some Lamotte and Salifert test kits next week!

PS I started using RO/DI water now too, he he he
Very good , I lost one of the frags the blue polyp digitata, but you have to see the others you will be very surprise they change there colors but they still small yet .

[concept3]

I still have some more frags of the blue digitata, want more? :D

[Zoom]

Originally posted by concept3
I still have some more frags of the blue digitata, want more? :D
No no room thanks.

[concept3]

IT'S GONNA BE A YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


resurrecting the thread for picture updates!!!




MY "original" 55 GALLON TANK, EARLY 2005
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078front_full_shot.jpg




APRIL 2005, JUST AFTER TANK GOT UPGRADED
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/83078full_tank.jpg




OCTOBER 2005
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/concept3/oct1.jpg




NOVEMBER 2005
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/concept3/reefgadget2.jpg




JANUARY 2005
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/concept3/canonrebelxt117.jpg




APRIL 2006
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/concept3/april18.jpg




BOTTOM UP SHOT APRIL 2006
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/concept3/april16.jpg

[jjmatti]

your tank looks amazing. And from the looks of things through this thread you must have had some sort of plumbing experience..

[concept3]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7170470#post7170470 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jjmatti
your tank looks amazing. And from the looks of things through this thread you must have had some sort of plumbing experience..


Thank you :)


plumbing experience? sure. my tank! I've had a few people direct me the right way as I was doing it.

[BRISK495]

Hey concept - I live in the Phila area....I read through your threads and I beleive you said you get frags/colonies from a LFS....which one? I ve been to In Living Color and the Aquarium Center in SJ...did you go to one of those?

[concept3]

Aquarium Center, yep. It was one of the only few stores that had frags in my "local" area (45 minutes away, actually). Most of what he carried were ORA pieces, he hasn't really ordered more of a selection since we don't have the market here in South Jersey. Most of my current corals now are traded pieces.


-Merv

[Zoom]

Hi Merv, i put New 6.5K Iwasakis on the tank all the new frags need to grow.
I still can see how i miss the Iwasaki bulb on the right side of your tank last time i was over , it is not yellow at all .
My Tank looks very yellow green with the 6.5 K. i have to get some carbon in there some time that will help with the yellow green color.. If you need a new 250W 6.5 K iwasaki bulb for your tank i have a extra new one i don't use.:p

[concept3]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7196838#post7196838 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Zoom
Hi Merv, i put New 6.5K Iwasakis on the tank all the new frags need to grow.
I still can see how i miss the Iwasaki bulb on the right side of your tank last time i was over , it is not yellow at all .
My Tank looks very yellow green with the 6.5 K. i have to get some carbon in there some time that will help with the yellow green color.. If you need a new 250W 6.5 K iwasaki bulb for your tank i have a extra new one i don't use.:p


As a matter of fact, I might take you up on that offer. I'm off Sunday/Monday 23rd and 24th if you wanna meet up. I'd like to pay you for that Bulb though, or maybe like 10 frags for that bulb :) I know you got the room.

[Zoom]

PM send .

[Harlequinreef]

this thread was worth reading all 10 pages. great job and great growth shots!
-austin

[concept3]

It's time for me to resurrect this thread again for two reasons:

1. Picture updates

and YES!

2. I'm getting a bigger tank again!!!






SO with much to post, here come the following pictures after April:


APRIL 2006
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/concept3/April2006.jpg


MAY 2006
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/concept3/May2006.jpg



JULY 2006
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/concept3/july-2006.jpg



SEPTEMBER 2006
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/concept3/FTS-sep-1.jpg

[RichT]

Looking good Merv!! Can't wait to see the new one. You have my # if you need any help getting it up the stairs.

BTW, what's that funny looking thing behind the yellow in that last picture.

[concept3]

New tank is in the works currently at Miracles in Glass.

They just sent out the bottom panels out to be tempered and will be in construction within the next week.


Tank dimensions:

60 X 20 X 20h


Why bother going from my 48 X 18 X 20 75 gallon tank to that?

1. I've always HATED the location of my overflow box

2. The 18 inches in depth limits my aquascaping

3. I hate the location of the overflow box

4. I hate the plastic center brace on my tank

5. The Tunzes look huge in a 48 inch long, 18 inch deep tank

6. My "flood proof" stand only holds 20 gallons

7. I hate the location of the overflow box

[concept3]

Rich, the coral colony above the yellow porites (porites from Keith, aka Blstravler) started out as a Dr. Mac frag that pretty much almost died about a year ago. Since last year, it was sitting all the way back near the overflow box (I hate that thing, did I mention that?) and up until recently, I brought it forward notiving the growth pattern. It looks like a plana to me, but then again, evrything grows WEIRD in my tank. I love SPS for that :)



New tank is gonna have Starfire up front

Eurobracing all around......no more center brace (yippee!)

A 5 X 7 Overflow box in the rear left of the tank with a 1.5 inch drain (since I'm making a return manifold with a hunk load of locline anyways)

1/2 inch glass, polished edges

Black silicone on all edges.

[concept3]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8321377#post8321377 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RichT
Looking good Merv!! Can't wait to see the new one. You have my # if you need any help getting it up the stairs.



ETA for the tank to come in is first week of November. Now I gotta get cracking on building that new stand which will be lighter comapred to my current one (to compensate the weight of tank + water.



Also, the new stand in planning should hold about 38-40 gallons just in case of a leak. The sump has been placed on the back burner for now since I haven't decided on what design yet.

ETA for the tank transfer whould be around around Thanksgiving or later.....

[steve68]

Cool cant wait to see it !

[RichT]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8321435#post8321435 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by concept3
Rich, the coral colony above the yellow porites


Ahhh......I was talking about the funny looking thing stuck to the glass behind/above the yellow tang. It was my shameless attempt at a free plug.

:D

[concept3]

oh, the other yellow thing, LOL

I'm not for one with fancy programs or cool schematics. Well to be honest with you guys, I don't know where to start drawing out plans and stuff, so I hand drew the loclines schematic on paper. THEN TOOK A PICTURE OF IT :lol:

This is actually how I was able to figure out what I needed and how I wanted to place my returns. From here, I placed the order. $100 worth of loclines!!! Man, this hobby is NOT CHEAP!

comparing prices everywhere, I was able to find them at a decent price HERE (www.modularhose.com) and it came in less than 4 days!

So here it is:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/concept3/Loclines-schematic.jpg


and the mess I made in the dining room.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/concept3/Locline-package.jpg